The cities of Covington and Slidell are both planning big gala events to celebrate our country’s birthday, complete with food, entertainment, and of course, fireworks.

Covington leads off with an early celebration Saturday starting at 6 p.m. in Bogue Falaya Park.

The annual Old Fashioned Family Fourth of July Celebration will begin with a concert by the New Orleans Navy Band playing patriotic favorites. Residents are urged to bring their own picnic meals, but food and drink will be provided by the Lions Club, and the Covington Boy Scout Troop 160.

The affair will culminate with a fireworks display starting at approximately 8:45 p.m.

Slidell will continue the patriotic festivities from 3-11 p.m. July 4 in Heritage Park for the 11th annual Slidell Heritage Festival.

There will be lots of entertainment starting at 3:30 p.m. with the Cajun rhythms of the band T’Canille followed by the country tunes of Christian Serpas and Ghostown and rock and roll riffs from the band, Exile.

From 3-7 p.m. the Slidell Art League will hold its annual Art by the Bayou exhibit showcasing the talents of local artists. There will be free face-painting for the children.

Children can also try out their climbing skills at the rock climbing wall as well as enjoy various inflatable rides set up in Heritage Park.

There will be lots of food and drink to select from as the Rotary Club of Slidell and the Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore, along with other vendors, will be selling funnel cakes, baklava, sausage sandwiches, catfish boats and everything in between.

The whole evening climaxes at 9 p.m. with a fireworks display over Bayou Bonfuca. After the fireworks the Chee Weez will play rock and roll favorites until 11 p.m.

For more information on the Covington Old Fashioned Family Fourth of July, call Dominique Elzy at 892-1811. To find out more about the Slidell Heritage Festival, go to its Web site at www.slidellheritagefest.org.