Residents of Louisiana and Clarksville said it is not the celebration they had planned, but it was how they could plan for the unexpected.

Shep Sheppard said the flood that hit the area took the spark out of the Fourth of July.

"It's kinda disappointing," said Sheppard.

To Shepard's son, Will, this Fourth of July was the best he's ever seen. But he's only four years old and doesn't have much to compare it to.

The flooding came through in June, with water creeping into many homes and businesses.

It hit just below the 27-foot mark, which is almost three feet above major flood stage.

"It was really bad.  We had a lot of people out of their homes--out of their businesses," said Juanita Thomas.

Normally, the city would blast fireworks from a barge on the river, but the current on the river is still too strong. "

It's too dangerous to have out their now," said Thomas.

Many are saying this is the first day they've had to relax since the flood, enjoying iced tea and watching the mini parade march toward the Mississippi.

"Everybody that was in it put out the effort, but it was a really small parade," said resident Michael Fink.

Pleasant Hill, Illinois hosted fireworks for Pike County residents, so flood-hit towns can enjoy the fireworks with their Illinois neighbor.