Today’s photo from the past gives us a view of the great parade rolling through downtown Eunice for the 4th of July celebration in 1909.
The people of Eunice along with many visitors from far and near gathered in the town for a fabulous 4th of July celebration in 1909. Since the holiday was on a Sunday that year, the Eunice Parade and celebration was held on Saturday, July 3rd (114 years ago today). According to a lengthy report in the St. Landry Clarion newspaper on July 10, 1909, “the little western city ‘does herself proud” on the occasion of the Nation’s Birthday with a magnificent parade, speeches, etc.”
According to conservative estimates, as many as 5,000 people attended, enjoying a grand parade with all the other activities on that Saturday. The newspaper congratulated the people of Eunice for conducting such an event. “Eunice people always do things right, and this was no exception,” were the words written to end the article.
(Photo from the St. Landry Clarion, Saturday, July 10, 1909.)
