The streets of Natchitoches were packed with festivalgoers Saturday, December 7 for the 98th Annual Christmas Festival as tens of thousands of visitors descended on the City of Lights for a day of parades, crafts, fireworks, and family fun.
The iconic Christmas Festival Parade featured an exciting lineup of over 100 floats, bands, and marching units. Lakeview’s Air Force Junior ROTC color guard and the Natchitoches Fire Department led the parade followed by a long line of floats and marchers. The national champion LSU Gymnastics team served as the parade’s grand marshals, riding in style on the Lt. Governor’s “Louisiana-Feed Your Soul” float. There was plenty of fast-paced entertainment as the area’s dance and cheer schools showed off the results of their hard work.
Natchitoches’ own Northwestern State University had a full contingent in the parade. The Spirit of Northwestern Band was joined by the Demon cheerleaders, spirit, and dance groups. Natchitoches Central, Lakeview, LSMSA, St. Mary’s, Freedom Life and other area schools were also well represented. The NCHS “Pride of the Tribe” band joined their fellow musicians from NSU in providing quality live music.
There were several notable units making a return visit to the parade. The Butte Tribe of Bayou Bourbeaux brought a large contingent of members dressed in regalia, including two tribe members riding the parade’s only horses. Houston’s Stephen F. Austin High School’s impressive “Sonic Boom” band brought holiday cheer to the parade.
And of course, let us not forget the iconic Christmas Belles and Miss Merry Christmas who threw plenty of beads and candy. This accomplished and hard-working group of young ladies keep up a demanding schedule of appearances, school visits, and community service in addition to their schoolwork and extracurriculars. And last, but not least, no Christmas parade is complete without Santa himself.
After the parade, the Cartoons, followed by Nashville South bands kept the fun going on the riverbank with an energetic show that kept the dance area in front of the stage moving. Of course, it would not be Christmas in Natchitoches without fireworks! This year’s fireworks show was no exception to its predecessors’ reputation for excellence. The show was superb, featuring colorful bursts and a finale that would do credit to an artillery barrage. This event is by far the finest fireworks show in the state.
Christmas in Natchitoches is simply wonderful. The 2024 Natchitoches Christmas Festival was a resounding success.
