Dansereau merging traditions for holidays
December 5, 2014
Heaux, heaux, heaux
December 5, 2014
For the first time ever, 30 tons of snow will fall during the “Once Upon a Cajun Christmas Parade.”
A giant snow pile will be set up from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 on the corner of Goode and Belanger streets in Houma.
Terrebonne Parish is partnering with Synergy Bank to deliver a white Christmas.
“We call it ‘Synergy Bank Winter Wonderland,” bank marketing associate Katie Portier said. “We decided that it would be a great idea to partner with the Christmas parade. So we are bringing it to downtown Houma.”
Synergy held its first two holiday events at Southdown Plantation.
“We thought that the Christmas parade was already such a great event that everyone loved,” Portier said. “It gets everyone in the Christmas mood and Christmas spirit because it is the first weekend in December.
“We decided it would be great to partner those two things together. Instead of multiple activities, we are putting more focus on the snow.”
Synergy imported the snow with the help from Pelican Ice, an Orlando-based ice company. Last year’s winter wonderland only had 10 tons.
“I think it will be fun for the kids to play in because a lot of them probably have never seen snow,” Portier said.
Visitors will play in real snow and see it falling from the sky. Fans will blow a mixed solution of bubbles that look like snowflakes when the Christmas tree is lit. The solution then disintegrates once it hits the ground.
“There is going to be archways so kids can run through and it gives them the illusion that snow is falling,” Terrebonne Parish Main Street Manager Anne Picou said. Houma residents have only seen snow twice since 2000.
The parade itself features floats with riders handing out candy and toys. Afterward, Santa and Mrs. Claus join parish officials in front of the Downtown Courthouse for the lighting of the Christmas tree and caroling. The Ellender High School Marching Band is set to perform as well.
The entire event is designed to get families in the Christmas spirit, and Portier said it will do just that.
“We hope everyone can come out and enjoy it. It is going to be great night, especially with the parade, Santa Claus and lighting the Christmas tree,” she said. “It is just a good family outing that people can enjoy for free. We are excited about getting into the Christmas spirit, and we hope everyone will do the same.”
Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to onlookers at last year’s Once Upon a Cajun Christmas parade. The parade rolls Dec. 5.
