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Shreveport Celebrates Cross Lake Centennial with Fireworks Friday

PUBLISHED Jul 2, 2026, 5:18 PM ET

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SHREVEPORT, La. — The City of Shreveport held a centennial celebration at Ford Park on Friday evening, staging a free outdoor screening of the film National Treasure followed by a fireworks display launched over Cross Lake beginning around 9:30 p.m. Gates opened at 6 p.m. and the movie began at 7 p.m., with FM audio provided for vehicle viewers. Earlier that day, city officials convened a 7 p.m. news conference at Valencia on Cross Lake to mark the lake’s 100-year role as Shreveport’s primary drinking water source. Mayor Tom Arceneaux and SPAR Marketing Manager Lyman McKellar participated; staff directed parking via Yarbrough Street, closed the lakeside park portion for the event, and designated ADA-accessible parking.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Circa 100 years ago: Cross Lake established as Shreveport’s primary drinking water source.
City planned centennial activities tied to America 250 for the eve of Independence Day.
A 7 p.m. news conference was held at Valencia on Cross Lake to mark the centennial.
Gates at Ford Park opened at 6 p.m.; a free screening of National Treasure started at 7 p.m.
Fireworks were launched over Cross Lake at about 9:30 p.m., concluding the celebration.

News Intelligence

The Cross Lake centennial celebration is a nod to Shreveport's history and community spirit. It's a reminder of the importance of our local resources, like Cross Lake, that have served us for a century. Check out future city events to stay connected and celebrate our shared heritage.

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Who Benefited

The City of Shreveport, local food truck vendors, and community organizations benefited from increased public engagement, modest economic activity for vendors, and civic visibility generated by the Cross Lake centennial and America 250 festivities.

Who Impacted

Some residents experienced temporary inconvenience due to the lakeside closure and redirected park entrances, and routine recreational use of the closed portion of Ford Park was affected during the event.

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