ERATH - The Erath Fourth of July Celebration has been taking place for 66 years and one business has been helping it happen for just over 50 of those 66 years.

The Bank of Erath, which is located in downtown Erath, has been a part of the Fourth of July celebration longer than any other bank in Vermilion Parish and many of the businesses in Erath.

“The Fourth of July celebration is the oldest organization we (the bank) contribute to,” said Bank of Erath President Paul Moresi Jr. “We enjoy supporting the community of Erath. The bank has been a permanent part of the community for 100 years.”

Moresi, who has been working for the bank since 1967, said the location of the bank makes it easy for the bank to help the celebration.

During the Fourth of July week, the bank parking lot is a popular place for those who attend the celebration to hang out and watch the bands.

The parking lot is not the only contributor to the celebration. Many of the Bank of Erath employees and their spouses volunteer their time in the ticket booth. The bank also provides a tent for many Fourth of July Association functions.

Cheney Desormeaux, vice president of the bank, along with her husband, Karland, and teller Jennifer Teekell and husband Kenny are on the Board of Directors for the Erath Fourth of July Association.

Over the years Moresi said his family has provided the land upon which the fireworks display is held.

Sunday’s Events

• Fourth of July Mass in Erath Park

(8:30 a.m. - Bring lawn chairs)

•17th Annual Fourth of July Bar-B-Que Cookoff (Erath Park)

• Show and Shine Auto Show (starts at 9 a.m. in Erath Park)

• Queens Pageant Jr Division

Ages 5 through 14-15 year olds

(begins at 10 a.m. in City Park

• Homemade Baking and Dessert Contest

Entries must be there by 11:45 a.m.

• Special Contests

(Hot dog eating contests, watermelon eating contest and potato relays begin at 1 p.m.)