Shreveport celebrates Cross Lake's 100th anniversary with fireworks, family festivities

Shreveport celebrated Cross Lake’s 100th anniversary on the eve of Independence Day with a community event at Ford Park featuring an outdoor movie, food and fireworks over the lake. Families gathered Friday evening as blankets and lawn chairs filled the park for a free screening of National Treasure before the finale. The centennial marked the lake’s century-long role as Shreveport’s primary drinking water source and as a popular recreation destination. Earlier that day, city leaders met at Valencia on Cross Lake to commemorate the milestone and assess its long-term benefits. Mayor Tom Arceneaux said Cross Lake provides flood protection and reliable drinking water that has shaped Shreveport’s growth. Brandon Snead, interim director of Shreveport Water and Sewerage, said the lake’s watershed is monitored daily through sampling and analysis. Completed in 1926, Cross Lake is recognized as Louisiana’s oldest man-made lake and supports boating, fishing and other outdoor activities.