The bonfire festival returns to the river parishes

LUTCHER, Louisiana (WVUE) – A tradition spanning more than 300 years is set to return following the disruptions of COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida just in time to spread much-needed holiday cheer.

The parishes of River are set to light it up with the Festival of the Bonfires which kicks off tonight as the sea wall lights up along River Road through St. John and St. James Parishes. Live bands and delicious Cajun cuisine can be found nightly at the main festival site in Lutcher Park.

Here is the weekend program:

Thursday December 9 (5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.):

5:30 p.m. – Doors open

6.30 p.m. – 8.30 p.m. – Music by: Mothership

9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Music by: ROCK SHOW NOLA

Friday December 10 (2 p.m. – MIDNIGHT):

2:00 p.m. – Festival opening

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Music by: Kaleb Olivier

3:45 p.m. Gumbos pickup

4:00 p.m. – Gumbo Cook-off Divisions Judgment

5:00 p.m. – Final judge Gumbos, potato salad, bread pudding

6:15 p.m. – Cooking results

7:00 p.m. – Lighting of the bonfire on the free Levee shuttle *

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Music by: Nashville South

Group photo

22h00—00h00— Music by: KARMA

Saturday December 11 (8:00 a.m. – MIDNIGHT):

9h00 – Opening of the festival

9:00 a.m. – 4-H Cookie Contest

9:00 am – 11:00 am — Artistic competition

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Bonfire contest

9h00 – 12h00 – Children’s competition (stage)

11h00-13h00- SANTA @ Festival

12:00 p.m. – Art show / Bonfire contest / Danielle’s dance academy

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. -Music by: Peyton Falgoust

4:00 p.m. – Teen / Miss contest (Stage)

Announcements of visiting queens

6.30 p.m. – Lighting of the bonfire on the festival grounds

6:45 p.m. – 32nd annual fireworks display

19h00—21h00 — Music by: Contraflow

10h00-12h00 – Music by: The Molly Ringwalds

Sunday December 12 (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.):

8:00 AM — Festival opening

8:30 a.m. – Kids’ 1/2 mile run / walk

9h00 – Run / Walk 5K

10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Motor Show

10:30 am – Announcements of the art winner / bonfire contest / scholarship

11h00 – 13h00 – SANTA @ Festival

11h00-13h00 Entertainment for children:

Gramercy Magnet School

Chanel Choir / Bell Choir

Laplace Elementary School

Yvonne’s orientations in dance

LHS Atomic Marching Band

LHS Varsity Cheerleaders

LHS Violet Jazz / Peripherals

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Music by: Mike Broussard and Night Train

4 pm-6pm – Music by: Ryan Foret and Foret Tradition Band

For more info click here.

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