Leonard Ray
March 30, 2007
Lady Tigers fall, but LSU baseball, softball teams have successful weekend
April 3, 2007Forget Mardi Gras, it’s time for the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair and Parade. That includes carnival rides and musical performances by local, well-known artists.
The Thibodaux Fire Department’s roots run deep. Fire Chief Mike Naquin traces it back to the late 1860s.
It wasn’t until 1868 until the first parade rolled.
The following year, other fire companies were invited to join in. Each company decorated their engines and floats.
In 1871, Thibodaux’s department repainted its fire engine red and incorporated it into the parade for the first time. More signs synonymous with fire fighting n hats and belts n were added two years later. As the parade grew each year, firemen added bands, horses and a royal court.
Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the Thibodaux Fire Department is returning to its roots.
Naquin said fire fighters will decorate their own floats, choosing themes that would have appeared in the parade’s early days.
A small departure from old-time tradition, but sure to be a collector’s item, fire fighters will toss commemorative doubloons in celebration of the department’s 150 years. Normally, Naquin noted, firemen don’t hand out gifts.
The parade is set to roll May 6 at 11:30 a.m. It starts at Menard Street and heads west toward the fairground. The parade grand marshal will be announced April 18.
The fair portion of the Thibodaux Fire Department’s annual celebration kicks off May 3 at 5:30 p.m. On stage, fair-goers will hear a Thibodaux High band, No Exit. New Orleans’ rockers Chee-Weez follow at 8 p.m.
Al “Lil Fats” Jackson opens the musical showcase Friday at 5:30 p.m. with his rendition of the legendary Fats Domino sound. Thibodaux-native and bass guitarist Tony Hall and the Heroes with Mahogany Blues will follow. And Thibodaux band Good Feelin’ will close the show at 11 p.m.
Saturday’s performances begin at 11 a.m. with performances by South Louisiana band Treater, Reggae band Upressors, Waylon Thibodeaux, and Houma-native and Grammy nominees Tab Benoit featuring Louisiana LeRoux. The firemen are calling it Wetland Jams, according to Naquin. The Little River Band will close the night starting at 10:30 p.m.
Sunday’s music includes Don Rich, the Wet Willie Band and Jimmy Hall. New Orleans native Luther Kent and Trick Bag will close the fair with a grand performance that could include several of the local musicians previously mentioned, Naquin said.
For more information, contact Naquin at (985) 447-3296 or (985) 448-4060.
