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How the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair benefits the general public is two-fold: one, obviously, is the four days of free admission to an event brimming with music, food and carnival rides; the second is the revenue derived from the event supplements the volunteer fire department, allowing better protection at lower tax rates.
It’s somewhat romantic how symbiotic the community and the fire department are in Thibodaux, specifically on the first full weekend of May each year. Proceeds from the fair make up about 40 percent of the fire department’s annual revenue, Fire Chief Randy Pate said.
“It’s a family event,” Pate said. “It’s something that the fire department has put on for many years. People in the community look forward to it every year. We bring in quality rides. It’s a good, clean place to come enjoy yourself.”
The fair dates back to World War II.
For entertainment purposes, it’s all about the depth of music, quality of rides and, oh yeah, the food. Last year’s music lineup was headlined by Eddie Money, but it was the lack of a soft spot that made it a draw, Pate said. The carnival ride company the fair contracts with debuted a new $1 million ride last year. And the food is south Louisiana. There’s a $10,000 raffle, and a 5K run for excellence, as well.
Pate said the department would continue to upgrade the fairgrounds on an annual basis. Next year’s band lineup should be finalized within the next two months, he added.
2012: Houmapalooza
Every year, on the Firemen’s Fair’s last day, a parade of engines rolls the street.
