Fair & Parade History
In 1883, the first Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair was held, raising almost $250 for the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department, the only fire department in the parish. Since its inception, Thibodaux’s Fire Department has depended upon the money raised at the Firemen’s Fair for a significant portion of its annual budget. It’s because of this great event that the volunteer fire department can maintain its operations across the parish.
THE PARADE
The Thibodaux Firemen’s Parade is part of our annual celebration and plays a big role in our fundraising efforts. The parade, which is always held on Sunday, is one of the main events on the biggest day of the fair, meaning there are always crowds of people lining the streets.
The earliest known account of a parade reported in the Thibodaux Sentinel was in 1866. However, in 1869, the Thibodaux Sentinel reported that Thibodaux Fire Co. No. 1 was celebrating its eighth anniversary although the company was formed in 1858. From these facts, a conclusion is drawn that the company was celebrating its anniversary for the eighth time, excluding three years missed during the Civil War. Evidence of non-activity during this period is found in the October 28, 1865 edition of the Thibodaux Sentinel.
The April 25, 1874 edition of the Thibodaux Sentinel headlines read, “The fifteenth annual parade of the Firemen of Thibodaux”. Had the firemen paraded every year with out interruption they would have started in 1860, but based on the fact that three years were missed during the Civil War, the conclusion can be drawn that the firemen of Thibodaux have been holding parades at least since 1857.
In the early years, firemen with their equipment would parade around town as friends and relatives viewed the procession. The parade was always led by the Grand Marshal. As firemen passed the home of the Grand Marshal, they were given refreshments. After the parade, the firemen held a social with their friends and relatives. Current day Grand Marshals continue the practice of hosting a social or reception after the parade for firemen along with friends, relatives and supporters of the fire department.
The Thibodaux Firemen’s Parade is not a Mardi Gras parade. The firemen do not throw doubloons or beads although some of the kids that ride on the floats may throw some items. The parade is a time for the fire department to display all of its equipment and man power to the people we serve. The parade also allows surrounding departments to show off their equipment as well. The parade will feature fire trucks and equipment, plenty of them. At times, there will be sirens wailing and horns blowing although we try to keep this minimum to control noise levels. The parade is a time for family and friends to gather along the parade route and show their appreciation to members of the department who volunteer their time to protect their lives and property in times of need.
Today, more than 130 years later, the fair and its accompanying parade has grown into a favorite event for families across south Louisiana, attracting more than 50,000 people each year and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the local fire department. So slide on down to Thibodaux and become a part of the tradition that is spreading like wildfire. Our hardworking firefighters will thank you for it.
