From patriotic parades and barbecue competitions to duck races, fireworks, and historical exhibits, Minden’s Liberty & Legacy celebration transformed downtown into a hub of activity June 11-13 as residents and visitors gathered to celebrate two major milestones: the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 190th anniversary of the City of Minden.
The three-day America 250/Minden 190 festival expanded on the community’s traditional Grilling on Main and Duck Derby weekend, adding new attractions, educational exhibits, live entertainment, and family activities that drew large crowds from throughout the region.
With sunny skies and a packed schedule of events, organizers described the celebration as one of the largest community festivals Minden has hosted in recent years.
Festival begins with Bites & Beats
The celebration kicked off Thursday evening at Miller Quarters Park with Bites & Beats, a community gathering featuring food vendors, children’s activities, and live music from Therah Newman.
Families filled the park as children enjoyed a foam party and water activities while adults visited with friends and sampled food from local vendors.
Opening ceremonies celebrate Minden’s history
Friday’s festivities began with opening ceremonies recognizing Minden’s history and the contributions of community leaders.
Cox reflected on the city’s founding and growth over nearly two centuries.
“We’re still celebrating and enjoying that town today,” Cox said. “We’re mighty proud of the City of Minden.”
The mayor introduced Bubba Sessions, who attended on behalf of Gov. Jeff Landry.
“We are encouraged by what’s happening here in Minden,” Sessions said. “You’ve got a great leader in Nick. He does an awesome job for you guys.”
“Thank you for having us, and congratulations on your 190th.”
Sarah Overall, director of the Minden Main Street District, recognized current and former board members for their efforts in downtown revitalization over the past four decades.
“Main Street has been performing and doing all these things for nearly 40 years, and that’s amazing,” Overall said.
Assistant to the Mayor Ashlee Drake presented a special recognition to Minden’s oldest resident, Fay Miller, who was born Feb. 10, 1923.
Attendees also viewed a video presentation highlighting Minden’s history through historic photographs that had been animated using artificial intelligence technology. The presentation drew strong interest from the audience and quickly became one of the evening’s most talked-about features.
History takes center stage
Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers found numerous opportunities to learn about local, state, and national history.
Representatives from tourism organizations showcased exhibits related to the Louisiana Purchase. Volunteers from the Germantown Colony Museum offered shuttle tours to the historic site, while members of the Daughters of the American Revolution shared information about Revolutionary War history and American heritage.
The educational displays complemented the festival’s Liberty & Legacy theme, emphasizing both Minden’s story and the broader history of the United States.
Runners start Saturday with a bang
Saturday began early with the Run Minden on Main 5K.
Participants received an unexpected boost at the starting line when fireworks were launched to signal the beginning of the race at 8 AM.
The overall winners were all from Bossier City:
- Gabe Falting — 16:20
- Gary Wilson — 17:01
- Daniel Bilodeau — 17:49
Cooling stations, water misters, patriotic decorations, and cheering spectators lined portions of the course.
Pet Mayor election raises more than $19,000
One of the weekend’s most popular events was the second annual Pet Mayor Election, which raised more than $19,000 for the local animal shelter.
Scout was elected Pet Mayor, while Ridge was named Chief of Pawlice and Raven Pearl was selected as Fur Chief.
Elected council members included Captain, Baby G, Milo America, Clyde, and Ellie Mae.
Cox noted the impact the fundraiser has had on animal welfare efforts.
“This effort, over the last two elections, has raised a combined total of over $42,000 for the Minden animal shelter,” he said. “This was worth doing, and it helps those that can’t help themselves, those little furry ones that we love so much.”
Sweetie’s BBQ dominates Grilling on Main
The annual Grilling on Main competition once again attracted teams from throughout the area, but one team emerged as the clear favorite.
Sweetie’s BBQ swept the major categories, winning first place in chicken, brisket, ribs, and overall competition.
Additional winners included:
Chicken
- First: Sweetie’s BBQ
- Second: Longshot
- Third: Ace Hardware
Brisket
- First: Sweetie’s BBQ
- Second: Q30
- Third: Fiberbond
Ribs
- First: Sweetie’s BBQ
- Second: Minden Rocks
- Third: Smokey Pig
Overall
- First: Sweetie’s BBQ
- Second: Ace Hardware
- Third: Q30
The People’s Choice award went to The Roosters, followed by BTI and Blue Falcon.
Little Grillers
Patriotic spirit on display
A red, white, and blue patriotic parade featuring decorated bicycles, scooters, golf carts, and walkers drew enthusiastic participation from local children.
Elsewhere, competitors tested their appetites during a wing-eating contest. Kyle Towns claimed first place after consuming 0.976 pounds of boneless wings in just three minutes.
Families also enjoyed expanded festival amenities, including a beer garden, cooling stations, water-hydrant misters, food vendors, and live entertainment throughout downtown.
Saturday’s musical lineup featured performances by the Josh Love Band, Beaux Atkins Band, The Accountants Band, and the Trini Triggs Band, while Friday’s entertainment included the Jimmy Wooten Band and Mojo Band.
Duck Derby and fireworks close out celebration
As evening approached, crowds gathered along the route for the 8th Annual Greater Minden Chamber Duck Derby, one of the community’s most beloved traditions.
Hundreds of spectators watched as rubber ducks raced toward the finish line, creating one final burst of excitement before the festival’s conclusion.
The celebration ended with what many attendees described as the most impressive fireworks display ever presented in Minden.
The extended show illuminated the downtown skyline and provided a fitting finale to three days of music, food, history, competition, and community pride.
For a city celebrating 190 years of history and a nation marking 250 years of independence, the Liberty & Legacy festival offered a reminder that some of the strongest traditions are those that bring a community together.
