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CARIE EDWARDS

CORRESPONDENT TO THE DAILY NEWS 

 

The American Legion Post 24 has announced Robert “Bob” Neilson, CPA and current Fiscal Administrator for the City of Bogalusa, as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 4th of July Parade. A respected civic leader and longtime Bogalusa resident, Neilson will lead this year’s festivities as the city honors both the nation’s birthday and the spirit of local service.

Post 24, which has proudly organized Bogalusa’s patriotic parade annually since 1952, elected Neilson in recognition of his service and community dedication.

Born in Marrero, Neilson graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1971. He began his career as a stockbroker with Kohlmeyer & Co. in 1972, then moved to Bogalusa in 1973, where he opened a motorcycle shop called Tri Son Cycles. After selling the business, he joined the accounting firm Seal, Smith, & Vaughan in 1976 before opening his own firm in 1988. He and his wife Janine have spent nearly thirty years together and were married in 2023.

In January 2025, Neilson was appointed by the Louisiana Fiscal Review Committee to serve as Fiscal Administrator for Bogalusa amid financial instability, including over $1 million in unpaid taxes. His appointment was unanimously supported by the Bogalusa City Council, which recognized his ability to help guide the city toward fiscal recovery.

Neilson said he was “pleasantly surprised” to be named Grand Marshal and is “looking forward to carrying out the duties of the parade.” His selection reflects both his professional leadership and his decades-long investment in the Bogalusa community.

The parade will begin at First Bank on Columbia Street and end behind Bogalusa High School. The public is encouraged to participate-no entry fee is required. Those wishing to join the parade should arrive by 9:30am on Friday, July 4, especially if entering antique cars or motorcycles, which are particularly welcome additions this year. The parade will begin at 10am.

The celebration doesn’t end with the parade. At dark, the fireworks display will light up the sky on the East side of the Bogalusa High School stadium, offering a festive finale to the day. In addition, 4th of July t-shirts are available for purchasefrom The American Legion for $15, giving residents a fun way to show their patriotic pride and support for the event. For more information about participating in the parade or purchasing shirts, contact American Legion Post 24.