From Natchitoches and Shreveport in the northwest to New Orleans in the southeast, Louisiana residents geared up today for New Year’s Eve celebrations. The gaudy New Orleans festivities at Jackson Square in the French Quarter were to include the midnight lowering of a giant, brightly lit fleur de lis atop the old Jax Brewery, now a retail and entertainment development, next to the Mississippi River. Also on the agenda: a huge fireworks display on the river. Thousands were expected to witness it all. The city is packed with tourists, many of them in town for Friday’s Sugar Bowl between Florida and Cincinnati. Downtown New Orleans hotels are near full occupancy.
Other fireworks displays will include the one in Natchitoches on Cane River Lake. It is part of the city’s popular Christmas Festival of Lights event that continues through Jan. 8.
Law enforcement agencies around the state were urging caution for those who choose to set off firecrackers and other fireworks themselves. Some communities outlaw fireworks sales and use. Another concern for police: the annual problem of revelers who fire guns into the air to celebrate the new year. Shreveport police issued a statement Wednesday reminding residents of the dangers posed by falling bullets.
Weather for New Year’s Eve festivities was expected to be cold and possibly damp, with chances of rain around the state and sleet in north Louisiana.
