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mother-in-law, Mrs. Julie, takes out her father’s dress uniform hat. Unfortunately, neither I, nor my children, were ever able to meet Mr. Alex, but we hear great stories of him every year at this time. My boys, along with their cousins, always enjoy trying on their great-grandfather’s hat. Because Jason’s parents live right near the parade route, the entire family gathers to eat BBQ, and watch the parade. The kids really enjoy watching all of the fire trucks and waving to all of the firemen walking. This has been a tradition for Jason and his sisters since they were little, and I’m glad we get to continue with our children. My cousin Ali Rouse Royster’s Paw Paw, Carroll Barrilleaux, has been a volunteer fireman in Thibodaux for 59 years. She’s been going to fire department functions for as long as she can remember. She said, “While I did enjoy Santa at the fire station (he gave me my first cash register!), my favorite has always been the fireman’s fair: going on rides, playing games, and seeing my Paw Paw in the parade on Sunday. Now, as an adult, I enjoy the food, local music, and people watching.” Her husband Billy is also a fireman now, so there will definitely be many more fireman’s fairs in their future. My brother, Donny, remembers when our dad was the Grand Marshal back in 1986. (I was only 1 at the time, so I got to ride in the car with the windows up, while Donny rode the horse with our dad.) Donny said, “I was almost 4 years old when my dad was Grand Marshal, I can remember how fun riding on the horse in the parade with him was. Now, every year while watching the parade, I remember that time. I also remember going to the auction with my dad every year. I still go every year, and plan to take my children with me as well.” This year’sGrandMarshal of theThibodaux Fireman’s Fair is Mike Naquin. Mr. Mike has been a member of the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department since 1973. He

I t’s that time of the year again when local festivals and fairs begin to kick-off. Although there are plenty to choose from, my favorite is the Thibodaux Fireman’s Fair which is held every year at the beginning of May. The fair is a four day event of rides, food, and music, ending with a parade and auction on Sunday. The Fireman’s Fair and Parade hold many memories and traditions for Thibodaux residents. If you have never been to the Thibodaux Fireman’s Fair and Parade, this is the year to start creating your own memories and traditions! My husband’s grandfather, Alex Gauthreaux, was a fireman for the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department for 40 years before he passed away in 1993. Every year during the Fireman’s Fair, my Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair by Mandy Rouse Martinolich

Grand Marshal Donald Rouse and his son Donny riding the traditional horse in the 1986 Thibodaux Fireman's Parade.

was Fire Chief from 1997 to 2011. The last time a former Fire Chief was Grand Marshal was 132 years ago when S.T. Grisamore served in 1882. If you want to know important history and facts about the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department, then Mr. Mike is the person to ask! When did the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department begin? The TVFD was organized in 1874, although fire companies were formed prior to this. Prior to the creation of the fire department, companies operated independently of each other. To provide a unified command structure at fire scenes, it was decided that the companies would work more efficiently as one department.

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