The City of Lake Charles, Louisiana

The City of Lake Charles is calling for entries in two annual parades slated for Saturday, December 6 as part of the Light up the Lake Christmas Celebration. At 1 p.m. local groups, including schools, businesses, civic groups, performing groups and neighborhood kids will join Santa for a journey through Downtown Lake Charles. The parade will travel south on Ryan Street from Mill Street to Dr. Michael Debakey Drive. Trophies will be awarded in several categories including best decorated vehicles and floats, as well as the best marching bands and specialty groups. Everyone in the community is invited to join as a participant or a spectator. 

The lighted boat parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. along the Lakefront Promenade. Each boat will be judged on originality, creativity, decorations, presentation, and enthusiasm. Prizes will be awarded in first through third places for boats in length of 21 feet and under, and 22 feet and over. Other categories include best crew and best of show. Afterwards, the sky will explode into a kaleidoscope of color with the fireworks extravaganza.

Additional Light up the Lake events held at the Civic Center includes Santa’s Workshop, the Community Band Concert and the lighting ceremony on the front lawn. All events are free for attendees as well as participants. For entry forms or more information, please contact the City of Lake Charles at 491-9159, dfasske@cityoflc.us

Christmas Lighted Boat Parade Application

Lake Charles Christmas Parade (Street) 

Blake Sparkles to Perform for Lake Charles Lighting Ceremony

Pop star, Blake Sparkles will perform her Christmas song titled “It’s Finally Here” during the Lake Charles Lighting Ceremony between 5-6 pm on Saturday, December 6. You can also catch Sparkles in the Christmas parade in Downtown Lake Charles earlier that day where she will throw t-shirts with her CD's attached.

Fourteen year old Blake Sparkles began working towards her music career at a very young age. A two-time pageant queen, gymnast, and high-flying cheerleader, she has developed a competitive edge for excellence to whatever endeavors she sets her mind to. Her original hit single ‘Pretty Girl Swag’ has made its debut across the country – most notable on MTV, Music Choice and BET’s 106 & Park. The hip-hop enthused track gained national recognition in a matter of months. In the song, the pop princess talks about going on a shopping spree. Its ultra-feminine undertone makes the perfect girl power anthem. Sparkles also released ‘Daddy,’ a sentimental tribute to her very own father, Antonio Rogers. The song was written and produced by multi-talented recording artist Roi “Chip” Anthony. To celebrate the release, Sparkles asked all of her fans to send in pictures with their dads. The photos received were included in her music video. She is currently working on her untitled debut album and just completed putting the finishing touches on her single ‘Fire.’ She has also been on a national 10-city tour with boy band phenomenon Mindless Behavior.

Aside from touring, Sparkles’ commitment to community enrichment and charitable organizations is never ending. She recently partnered with Campaign 4 Education, a D.C.-based nonprofit organization to promote education as a basic human right and to advocate the need for education for all. Her advice to young aspiring entertainers like herself: “Dream of being one of the greatest entertainers in history and show other young people around the world that you can be anything you aspire to be. Be able to look back and say, I did it without regrets!” www.blakesparkles.com/us

Other components to the Light up the Lake event include the Lake Charles Community Band Concert, Santa’s Workshop, the Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks over the lake. For a complete schedule go to www.cityoflakecharles.com.