SHREVEPORT, La. - Dreams will become reality on Thursday as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services presents 34 candidates to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana during a special Naturalization Celebration. It's all part of the 2026 KTBS 3 Freedom Fest Series and celebration of America 250.
U.S. District Judge Maury Hicks will administer the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the 34 soon-to-be American citizens. The Western District of Louisiana stretches all the way from Shreveport-Bossier City to Monroe, Alexandria, and Lafayette. Those taking the oath come from the 23 countries listed below.
- Canada
- China
- Germany
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
- Morocco
- Laos
- Tunisia
- Philippines
- India
- Mexico
- Yemen
- South Korea
- Eswatini
- Kenya
- Belarus
- Brazil
- Jamaica
- Bulgaria
- United Kingdom
- Dominican Republic
- Mali
- Turkiye
The events, hosted by KTBS 3's Jan Elkins and Rick Rowe, get underway at 2 p.m. at The Strand Theatre with a special performance by The Victory Belles and a number of guest speakers, all courtesy of sponsor AEP SWEPCO.
The swearing-in begins promptly at 3 p.m. It’s free and open to the public. If you can't make it there in person, it will be livestreaming on KTBS+.
There are a few rules you should know about if you plan on attending. No bags larger than 9-by-12 inches, no weapons, illegal drugs, paraphernalia or tobacco, no outside food or beverages, and no strollers or wagons.
About the Victory Belles
The Victory Belles are a delightful vocal trio performing the music of the 1940s, serenading audiences at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans and across the globe.
The music of that era brought hope and joy to our GIs and those on the Home Front alike — and the Victory Belles keep that tradition alive in rich, three-part harmony. Their repertoire includes all the treasured gems of the WWII era, plus patriotic classics, including a musical salute to each branch of the U.S. armed forces.
The Belles performing this year include Keyara Milliner, Chloé Marie Johnson, and Breanna Collier.
About Freedom Fest Finale
As always, we'll be celebrating Independence Day on July 4 in grand style from five locations across the ArkLaTex, complete with top-notch entertainment and simultaneous, massive fireworks displays. They include Downtown Shreveport, South Bossier Park, Cypress Lake, Lake Claiborne, and stretching into Texas in Jefferson and Longview.
The KTBS 3 Freedom Fest 2026 is brought to you by these presenting sponsors -- the City of Shreveport, Shreveport Downtown Development, the Bossier Parish Police Jury, and the Caddo Parish Commission. Special thanks to Herbert’s Town & County, the Simple Church, Kilpatrick's Rose-Neath, and AEP SWEPCO for making the many fireworks shows possible. The evening will also be filled with special patriotic performances.
The live programming schedule for such a monumental event is tricky at best. After months of careful planning, the America 250 and Freedom Fest Finale schedules are set, though subject to change.
ABC & KTBS 3
- Friday 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.: America the Beautiful
- Friday 10 p.m. - 10:35 p.m.: KTBS 3 Local News
- Friday 10:35 p.m. - 12:07 a.m.: Party Across America / Special edition of ABC's Nightline
- Saturday 12:07 a.m. - 4 a.m.: GMA 50 States in 50 Weeks with live events from around the country, including New Orleans.
- Saturday 4 a.m. - 6 a.m.: Dawn in America
- Saturday 6 a.m. - 9 a.m.: GMA Special Edition
- Saturday 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Hometown and Heroes
- Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
- Saturday 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.: 7 Wonders of America
- Saturday 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Dreamers and Innovators
- Saturday 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.: SportsCenter Special Edition
- Saturday 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.: World News Tonight Special Edition
- Saturday 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.: Nashville's Star-Spangled Bash
- Saturday 10 p.m. - 11 p.m.: KTBS 3 News
- Cut-ins - Live local news cut-ins airing twice per half hour beginning early Saturday morning and running through Saturday night.
KPXJ & Sports Schedule
- Saturday 5 a.m. - 7 a.m. - KTBS First News on KPXJ
- Saturday 11:30 a.m. - Jeopardy! on KPXJ
- Saturday 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.: - KTBS Midday News on KPXJ
- Saturday 3:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.: NASCAR Chicagoland Speedway
- Saturday 7 p.m. - Live Freedom Fest Finale coverage begins.
- Saturday 9:30 p.m. - The largest fireworks show in the ArkLaTex from multiple locations.
- Saturday 10 p.m. - KPXJ coverage concludes and begins on KTBS 3 until 11 p.m.
Remember, when you're on the go, KTBS+ is your connection with KTBS 3 and KPXJ CW 21.
For more information and for a schedule of events, go to KTBS.com/FreedomFest. Once again, the series is brought to you by the City of Shreveport, Shreveport Downtown Development, the Bossier Parish Police Jury, and the Caddo Parish Commission. Special thanks to Herbert’s Town & County, Simple Church, Kilpatrick's Rose-Neath, and SWEPCO for making the many fireworks shows possible.
As always, we want to see your celebration. Share Your View of the Red, White, and Blue. Send us your photos to pics@KTBS.com or post them to our Facebook page, and to get more eyes on your pictures, be sure to use #KTBSSalutes on social media.
“Patriotism doesn’t have to wait until the Fourth of July. America’s 250th birthday is a once-in-a-generation celebration, and now is the perfect time for all of us to proudly show what this country means to our families and communities,” KTBS 3 Station Manager George Sirven said.
Happy birthday, America!