Louisiana’s float for the 134th Tournament of Roses Parade, the Celebration Riverboat, won the Showmanship Award for most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment. The parade was aired on television on Jan. 2 rolling down the streets in Pasadena California.

 

During a brief video interview, Miss Merry Christmas Emma Giddens, who is representing the City of Lights as one of the riders on the Louisiana themed float, said, “Representing Natchitoches on national platform and getting the name Natchitoches around the country is really amazing.”

 

Giddons is a senior at Natchitoches Central High School.

 

On board the float were:

– Lt. Gov Billy Nungessor

– Performer Lainey Wilson

– Amber DeFatta, representing Shriner’s 100th anniversary

– Miss Merry Christmas (Natchitoches) Emma Giddens

– Queen Dixie Gem Peach (Ruston) Emma Carter

– Miss Louisiana Outstanding Teen (Ruston) Mary Hunt

– Miss Zwolle Tamalle Fiesta Kaydee Meshel

– American Rose Society walkers