Good morning, Lake Charles.

Welsh brings back its Fourth of July Festival on Saturday, July 4 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Sportsman Park — the event features a barbecue cook-off, pie contest, live music, and outdoor games for families.

A local business hired blind teen Javen Hebert at Lulu’s Specialty Cones & More after he offered free labor, and he has now spent six months working on tasks like putting stickers on cups and writing on boxes.

He has gained confidence through his work and looks forward to future opportunities.

Lake Charles celebrates America250 at Red, White, Blue and You on Saturday at the Amphitheater.

The free event starts at noon with waterfront fun (food trucks, lawn games, and live shows) and finishes with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

The Louisiana America 250 Commission sent letters, tokens and a print by Lake Charles artist Candice Alexander to the America250 Time Capsule, which will be sealed and buried on July 4 at Independence National Historical Park.

The items will remain locked until 2276 to mark 500th anniversary of the Declaration.

An audit found that more than half of state WIC clinics operate only during business hours and did not meet outreach standards, so the Health Department agreed to review monthly clinic reports (56 of 100 missed requirements in fiscal 2025) and expand access for eligible families.

The McNeese State Cowboys will play Santa Clara on Dec.

14 at the Jack Jones Classic — held at the Lees Family Forum in Henderson, Nevada — as part of their nonconference schedule.

Collective Soul Live Concert

7-11:30 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — 21+ event — Celebrate three decades of Collective Soul's music at this lively concert.

Randy Rogers Concert

7:00 – 11:30 PM — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket info unavailable — Enjoy a night of country music with Randy Rogers and his band.

Atlanta Rhythm Section with Firefall and Orleans

1-2:30 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of classic rock with Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall, and Orleans.

Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators vs. Sherman Shadow Cats

7-11 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Family-friendly event — Catch the excitement of summer baseball with the Gumbeaux Gators.

Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators Game Night

7-11 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — VIP packages available — Enjoy an exciting baseball matchup with premium experiences and entertainment.

Zoo Safari Art Experience

All day — Paint and Fire — Registration required — Explore zoo-themed art projects through clay, canvas, and more in this creative week-long event.

Jamey Johnson Concert

7:00 – 11:30 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Tickets available via Ticketmaster — Enjoy a night of live country music with Jamey Johnson.