Locals and visitors look forward to the Bonfires on the levee which has been a Christmas Eve tradition in the Louisiana River Parishes for years. This year there will be a 3-day pre-season festival that features bands, food, pageants, carnival rides, cooking contests and more.
The unique south Louisiana tradition’s purpose all began because the bonfires lit the way for Papa Noël through the murky southern Louisiana night. The lights along the Mississippi River also held another fable, that they would guide everyone home after midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
There will not only be great Louisiana food for sale ranging from jambalaya and gumbo to pork skins and funnel cakes. But also cooking contests for those who have crafted the delicacies of gumbo, potato salad, and bread pudding.
Among other fun traditions include anta’s Very Merry Forest of trees decorated by members of the community, amusement rides, a car show, an art contest, a craft show, a gingerbread contest, a walk and run, plus a variety of pageants for more than 10 titles. Live music will be all three days that include local favorites. These include Supercharger, Groovy 7, “Boogie” Long, Chase Tyler Band, The Chee-Weez, Mike Broussard and Night Train, and Ryan Foret and Foret Tradition Band.
Come enjoy this event December 9-11 at Lutcher Recreational Park, 2545 Louisiana Ave., in St. James Parish.
