Natchitoches inaugural Juneteenth parade made its debut Saturday, June 10 with over 30 units rolling from Texas Street to City Park. The Grand Marshal was Zion Smith, a 2023 Lakeview High School alumni, who will be attending Grambling State University on scholarship this fall. He will be majoring in Education and is the 2023 Delta Sigma Theta Mr. Beautillion. Civil rights pioneer and true woman of courage, Ms. Elnora Smith, occupied a well deserved place of honor.

The Natchitoches Hawg Riders were joined by several members of the Natchitoches Police Department’s motorcycle patrol in leading the parade. Mayor Ronnie Williams waved to the paradegoers lining the route from a fire truck. The Krewe of Excellence brought a welcome touch of Mardi Gras with their signature parade float. Civic leaders, office holders and candidates joined dance troupes and agencies in the parade. The children lining the parade route were treated to huge quantities of candy and goodies from the various parade units.

The inaugural Natchitoches Juneteenth parade was quality family fun and will hopefully be the first of many more.

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