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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
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
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.
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.