Firemen offer a hot time in Thibodaux

It’s appropriate a group of firemen are behind what may be the region’s hottest festival.

The Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair kicks off April 30 and runs through May 3. It helps in large part support the city’s 484-member volunteer fire department.

As one of the state’s oldest festivals, the Firemen’s Fair unites all eight of the department’s divisions. Each company volunteers to help run the annual event.

In fact, the festivities are organized entirely by the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department, including cooking the food and booking the bands. The only thing the firemen don’t do is run the rides.

The Firemen’s Fair traditionally is a big draw. With its top-rate musical entertainment and authentic Cajun classics – gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish pie washed down with a gulp of Fireman’s Punch – the day’s fun is sure to entertain the entire family.

This year’s musical lineup is second to none. In addition to the performers mentioned above, musical acts include performances Thursday, April 30, by King Pakayea and Bag of Donuts; Friday, May 30, by Al Jacobs and the Little Big Band, Na Na Sha and Soul Survivors; Saturday, May 2, Pott Folse, Vin Bruce and Harry Anelmi join Treater, Thibodeaux and Shaw team up and Benoit is joined by the Swampland Jam with Cyril Neville, Big Chief, Monk Boudreaux and Johnny Sanson, followed by Halifax. On Sunday, May 3, the lineup includes Snapper and the Fishsticks, Hunter Hayes, the Groove and Good Feelin’ Band.

Thursday and Saturday, visitors can buy pay-one-price passes and enjoy unlimited rides for one low price.

Admission to the festival is free, although there is a charge associated with the food and rides. Proceeds from the four-day festival help buy additional equipment and fund training for volunteer emergency responders.

On Sunday, the firefighters salute the city in Louisiana’s oldest running parade. Beginning at 1 p.m., decorated fire trucks, emergency vehicles and floats wind their way through town.

For more information about the event, call (985) 446-FAIR or visit www.thibfiredept.org.