Firemen's Fair 2017

MAY 4-7, 2017

THIBODAUX VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT FAIRGROUNDS 1101 TIGER DRIVE, THIBODAUX, LA

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TABLE OF CONTENTS What is the Firemen’s Fair?.......................4 Which bands are playing?..........................6 Introducing the grand marshal ...............10 Thibodaux Firemen’s Parade.................... 11 The famous Firemen’s Fair burger...........13 Join the 5K or Fun Run.............................. 16 What goes into the fair............................. 18 How much does the fair make?..............20 Where you should park............................. 21 How the fair benefits you.........................23

This year’s Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair runs from May 4-7 at 1101 Tiger Drive. [KIM SMITH]

PRODUCED BY

Writers: Bridget Mire,

Editors: Keith Magill,

Holly Duchmann.

Mike Hill, Mike Gorman.

Photographers: Abby

Layout: Center for News &

Tabor, Benjamin Oliver

Design.

Hicks, Kim Smith.

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Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair to offer mixture of entertainment and tradition

By Holly Duchmann Staff Writer

B

eginning Thursday, thousands of people from around the region will flood the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department’s fairgrounds at 1101 Tiger Drive for the annual Firemen’s Fair.

Proceeds go toward maintaining the fleet, fuel for the fire trucks and purchasing new equipment. Twenty years ago, it cost about $840 to outfit a man in the required safety gear, but now, it costs nearly $3,000, according to Fire Department Treasurer Mike Naquin.

On Friday night, '90s rock group Candlebox will hit the stage. On Saturday, the fair will host its 5K and Fun Run, as well as its headlining country music artist, Dylan Scott. On Sunday,

the parade and auction will be led by local pediatrician Dr. Kenneth Cruse, who is serving as this year’s grand marshal.

The four-day free event also offers carnival rides, Cajun food and other live musical performances.

“There’s kids who don’t get to go to Disney World, but their parents make sure they’re here because there are top-notch carnival rides,” said Fire Department President Joe Ayo. The first fair was held in 1883 and raised a whopping $245, which was used to build a new fire station on Jackson Street.

Prior to the fair, each company would attempt to raise their own money to pay for equipment through social gatherings and theatrical performances.

“That’s where the fair started — way back when,” Naquin said.

“The fair as we know it today, with the carnival rides and all the booths and stuff, we could trace that fair identity to about 1949.”

Naquin said for him, the fair is a time when all the fire companies can join together and not only show off their equipment to the community, but also put their best foot forward.

“It’s a time where the department can come together and show the community that not only do we work together as firemen at fires, but we work together to raise the money so we can provide fire protection and rescue services to our community,” Naquin said.

— Staff Writer Holly Duchmann can be reached at 8572205 or holly.duchmann@ houmatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @holly_evamarie.

2017 THIBODAUX FIREMEN’S FAIR SCHEDULE FA I R HO U RS Thursday: 5-11 p.m.

Friday: 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

RI D ES Bracelets for pay-one-price rides are $22 and can be used from 5-11 p.m.

Thursday and Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. During non-special hours, tickets are $1.25 each, with children’s rides costing two tickets per person and adult’s rides costing three.

Spectacular rides, such as the Ferris Wheel, The Fireball and The Remix, cost four tickets per person.

Other specials include 22 tickets for $25 and 55 tickets for $60.

O N E- M I L E F U N R UN AND 5 K The fun run begins at 7:30 a.m. at the fairgrounds entrance and travels down Tiger Drive and back, ending at the entrance.

The 5K race will begin at 8 a.m. at the fairgrounds. See Page 16 for a route.

Registration for the fun run and 5K will be held at the ticket booths and registration table on Saturday morning before the races.

The cost to enter the fun run is $20, and the 5K costs $30.

PAR ADE Starting time: 11 a.m. Sunday.

Starting location: St. Joseph’s Elementary School, 501 Cardinal Drive.

Route: From Menard Street, down Fifth Street and St. Mary’s Street, turning left on Tiger Drive and ending at the fairgrounds.

AUC T I ONS AND R AF F L E The first auction begins at 6 p.m.

Saturday under the tent on the fairgrounds, and the second auction will begin immediately after the parade on Sunday at the float barn.

To close the fair, raffle winners will be chosen at 9 p.m. Sunday on the main stage. First prize is $10,000 cash, and winners need not be present.

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5 bands playing at the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair

By Holly Duchmann

MUSICAL LINEUP

Staff Writer

1. DYLAN SCOTT

The 26-year-old Louisiana native is featured as this year’s headlining artist, and is bringing his modern country performance to the stage from 10:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday. As of April 22, his hit “My Girl” had spent 33 weeks on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and was ranked No. 19 on the list. Scott, of Bastrop, first entered the professional music scene in 2013 with his single “Makin’ This Boy Go Crazy,” which spent 10 weeks on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in 2014.

2. CANDLEBOX

This ‘90s rock band is bringing an alternative rock

T HUR S DAY 7 to 10:30 p.m. - 90 Degrees West, modern country band.

FR I DAY 6-8 p.m. - Mule Kick, variety cover band.

8-10 p.m. - The Groove, variety cover band.

10:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.

and post-grunge sound to the stage from 10:30 p.m. to midnight Friday.

These guys have previously played shows with Aerosmith and Metallica, and have performed at Woodstock and on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” The band’s self-titled debut album, which features hits such as “Far Behind” and “You,”

- Candlebox, ‘90s alternative rock and post-grunge band.

SAT U RDAY 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sheauxdown, variety cover band.

2-4 p.m. - Pepperjelly, variety cover band.

4:30 to 6:30 p.m. - Voodoo

Bayou, variety cover band.

6:30 to 8 p.m. - Kylie Frey, country musician.

8:30 to 10 p.m. - Dustin Sonnier & The Wanted, country performers.

10:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. - Dylan Scott, the fair’s headliner, country musician.

is certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

as grand marshal for the Endymion parade in New Orleans. 90 Degrees West plays covers of some of the biggest artists in the business, including Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, George Strait and Carrie Underwood, and also has its own library of original songs.

3. 90 DEGREES WEST

This modern country group hailing from New Orleans will be kicking off this year’s fair from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday.

The seven-piece band has played with country music star Luke Bryan in 2015 when Bryan served

4. SHEAUX DOWN

This group of

S U N DAY 2-4 p.m. - Tommy G & Stormy Weather, swamp pop band.

4:30 to 6:30 p.m. - Snapper and the Fishsticks, variety cover band.

7-9 p.m. - Good Feelings Band, variety cover band.

self-described “fun-lovin’ boys from the bayou” will play from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Sheaux Down plays a variety of covers from the last few decades, including everything from ‘50s jitterbugs, ‘60s Motown and ‘90s rock and pop, to today’s Top 40, rock and country hits.

They’ve been jamming in the Houma-Thibodaux

area for years, and have been featured at Houma’s Downtown Live After 5, as well as at this year’s Lockport Food Festival.

5. TOMMY G & STORMY WEATHER

Tommy G & Stormy Weather will bring swamp pop to Thibodaux from Morgan City when they perform from 2-4 p.m. Sunday. Some of the group’s song titles include “Cajun Crawfish Boil” and “Stormy Weather.” They feature zydeco and southern rock sounds in their tracks.

— Staff Writer Holly Duchmann can be reached at 857-2205 or holly.duchmann@houmatoday. com. Follow her on Twitter @holly_evamarie.

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THIBODAUX FIREMEN’S FAIR

The carousel (left) and Yoyo (above) are two of the many carnival rides at the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair. [KIM SMITH]

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THIBODAUX FIREMEN’S FAIR

Members of the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department (above) wave to the crowd and the E.D. White Catholic High School marching band (right) performs in the Firemen’s Parade. [KIM SMITH]

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To grand marshal, fair represents community values

By Holly Duchmann Staff Writer

F

or this year’s grand marshal, the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair represents the core values of the community.

“The firemen are so dedicated to the community,” said Dr. Kenneth Cruse, a local pediatrician. “Family, faith and service are some of the things I see they pass on from generation to generation, so it’s a strong representation of what the community means.”

Cruse said he has attended the fair for the past 22 years, ever since he and his family moved to Thibodaux from New

Orleans. His favorite part has been bringing his children and enjoying the family atmosphere the fair provides, though the music and auction are fun, too.

“The (Thibodaux) Volunteer Fire Department represents such a core of the community and is teaching generation after generation the value of giving back,” Cruse said. “I’ve kind of used that as my message through this role because I feel like it’s so powerful and strong, especially in today’s society.”

Cruse said when he found out he was chosen to preside as grand marshal for this year’s fair, he was surprised,

flattered and honored.

As the grand marshal, he will lead Sunday’s parade on a horse, dressed in a white tuxedo with a matching white top hat, and also lead the auction.

“Dr. Cruse has actually been supporting our fire department for a number of years,” Fire Chief Chad Mire said. “Every year, Dr. Cruse and his wife, Maria, have been at our fair, at our auction, supporting our fire department.”

Cruse said he’s been working on a collection of items to be auctioned at this year’s fair, including passes to the 2018 Kentucky Derby, a hunting trip to Argentina, wines from various local wine cellars, a 750-pound calf,

[HOLLY DUCHMANN/STAFF — HOUMATODAY]

rewarding,” Cruse said.

Despite his new prestigious role with the fair, the pediatrician said he’s still looking forward to just attending and enjoying the atmosphere like he’s always done.

“Yes, I have this role,” Cruse said, “but I think just seeing the continued enjoyment of generations as they pass is just something I never tire of, and I think having the honor of presiding as grand marshal will give it a new viewpoint.”

and LSU and Nicholls State University sporting events ticket packages.

The Baton Rouge native attended Loyola University in New Orleans and

— Staff Writer Holly Duchmann can be reached at 857-2205 or holly. duchmann@houmatoday. com. Follow her on Twitter @holly_evamarie.

Dr. Kenneth Cruse, the grand marshal for this year’s Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair, poses at his office.

medical school at St. Louis University in Missouri.

“Being able to affect a change on people at a young part of their life, to me, has been very

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Sunday’s parade to mix family tradition with showmanship

By Holly Duchmann Staff Writer

S

ince the mid1800s, the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair has mixed family tradition with the grandeur of fire equipment in a parade through the city streets.

“It’s a parade that shows off our equipment to the public to show them where their money is spent,” said Joe Ayo, president of the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department.

Each fire company designs its own float and decorates the trucks in accordance with the parade theme. Organizers decided to recycle last year’s theme of “Sports” because last

year’s parade rained out.

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday and will be led by this year’s grand marshal, local pediatrician Dr. Kenneth Cruse. Dressed in a white tuxedo and matching top hat, Cruse will lead approximately 10 area fire departments as they parade their equipment for the public.

From the parade’s start at St. Joseph Elementary School, 501 Cardinal Drive, it will roll down Menard, Fifth and St. Mary streets and turn onto Tiger Drive. The parade will end at the fairgrounds, 1101 Tiger Drive, and will be followed by an auction.

According to Fire Department Treasurer Mike Naquin,

the Thibodaux Firemen’s Parade is the oldest parade in the state. It’s believed to have started in 1857.

Photos from past parades show men donned in traditional white firefighter uniforms, with black ties flanking the sides of horse-drawn carriages and hand pumps, carts, and even steam-engine cars covered in roses.

Naquin said many men in his family have served in the Fire DepartFirefighters walk in the Thibodaux Firemen’s Parade, which is set for May 7 this year. ment, including his [ABBY TABOR/STAFF — DAILYCOMET] father. He pointed to an image of himself as a 6-year-old, dressed as could be seen in a cowboy “It’s a family tradi— Staff Writer Holly Huckleberry Finn and hat and rolled up jeans, tion,” Naquin said.

Duchmann can be reached sitting on a fire truck. sitting next to Little “And the typical fire at 857-2205 or holly.

“That’s me right Bo Peep and waving at department has a lot duchmann@houmatoday. there — 1961,” he said. the parade-goers who of family history.” com. Follow her on TwitThe young Naquin lined Menard Street. ter @holly_evamarie.

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THIBODAUX FIREMEN’S FAIR

ABOVE AND LEFT: Fairgoers enjoy carnival rides at the Firemen’s Fair. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF — DAILYCOMET]

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Flame-broiled burgers live on at Firemen’s Fair

By Holly Duchmann Staff Writer

The Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair has grown and evolved since it began, with several traditions that have been established over the more than 100 years in existence, and one of those traditions is the famous Firemen’s Fair burger.

“Everyone says there’s no flavor like the Firemen’s Fair hamburger,” said Chad Mire, chief of the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department.

In theory, the burger is simple. It’s just a meat patty and bun, and although lettuce and cheese aren’t available, there are pickles, onions, ketchup and mustard

Chris Barbier places hamburger patties on the grill at the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair.

[KIM SMITH]

as optional toppings.

What really makes the burger special is its history, according to the fair’s advertising chairman, Walton Guidry.

Back in the ‘70s, the fair only offered burgers, hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy as

edible options. During that time, the Fire Department would sell as many as 40,000 burgers during the fair, according to Department President Joe Ayo. Because of the high demand, the Fire Department built a machine with a conveyor belt that would cook the burgers.

“They would tweak it a little bit and tweak it a little bit until, finally, it had a flame-broiled bottom, flame-broiled top,” Guidry said.

“And it worked.”

After a few years, the department needed newer, larger machines for the task. The old machines were taken to a shop in Bayou Blue, where the mechanics and

workers basically took the old design and made even more improvements, Guidry said.

Bourgeois Meat Market in Schriever was commissioned for the patties.

Like the machines, the company also tweaked its recipe and now offers

a special compound used exclusively for the Firemen’s Fair.

If burgers don’t suit your fancy, there’s a plethora of other dining options at the fair, including shrimp stew, shrimp creole, crab cakes with crawfish sauce,

crawfish pies, gumbo, boudin, jambalaya, turkey legs and funnel cakes.

— Staff Writer Holly Duchmann can be reached at 857-2205 or holly. duchmann@houmatoday. com. Follow her on Twitter @holly_evamarie.

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On your marks, get set, and go to the 5K or fun run Firemen’s Fair 5K route The route for the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair 5K takes participants through the downtown area.

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Parish Rd. FINISH

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Jackson St.

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THIBODAUX

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to cool them down.

This year, E.D. White Catholic High School’s jazz band will perform at the finish line.

Another change is that the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department is partnering with Synergy Bank, Raising Cane’s and Rouse’s to host Lemonade Day at the fairgrounds. The annual event encourages entrepreneurship by having children set up lemonade stands.

Elmy Savoie, marketing administrator for Synergy, said Lemonade Day used to be held at The Market downtown.

“We would have all the runners running by from the Firemen’s Fair race, and we would have a lot of traffic for the students, so we thought it would be perfect to partner with them,” she said.

son S t

L

ike other aspects of the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair, the 5K and fun run have grown over the years.

Walton Guidry, the fair’s advertising chairman, said last year’s 5K had about 320 participants. This year, it looks like there will be about 400.

The 1-mile fun run begins at 7:30 a.m. at the fairgrounds entrance, 1101 Tiger Drive, and the 5K starts at 8 a.m.

Registration is $20 for the fun run and $30 for the 5K. Participants can sign up on race day, but Thibodaux Fire Chief Chad Mire suggested they register in advance at runsignup.com/Race/LA/ Thibodaux/FiremensFair5k.

“It is kind of tough in the morning ‘cause everybody’s trying to get everything done, and time constraints really restrict a lot of stuff,” he said. “So it’s a lot easier if you register prior.”

Guidry said each finisher will get a custom medal with a logo designed just for this year.

Awards in the 5K are given by age and gender for every decade up to the 70 and older group, and then for male and female overall first-, second- and third-place winners. Fun run awards go to the overall top three.

The route takes participants through downtown Thibodaux before returning to the fairgrounds. At the halfway point is Fire Company No. 1, where members spray water on the participants

Jeffer

Staff Writer

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By Bridget Mire

500 feet

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— Staff Writer Garrett Ohlmeyer contributed to this report. Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at

GATEHOUSE MEDIA

448-7639 or bridget.mire@ dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter@bridget_mire.

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Putting the fair together is a major effort

By Bridget Mire Staff Writer

T

hibodaux Fire Chief Chad Mire said volunteers usually take a month off after each year’s Firemen’s Fair before starting to prepare for the next year.

A fair committee comprised of members from each of the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department’s companies meets regularly to plan. The fire board elects a chairman for each area, such as entertainment or the parade.

“This past year, I felt that we needed to have a critique ... to go over the good and the bad, put everything

on the table, work things out no matter what it was, and come up with core ideas of things we thought we needed to do before next year’s fair,” Mire said.

Cement is being poured in some areas, and organizers are in the process of redoing the ticket stand.

This year, fairgoers can insert cash into a machine which will automatically dispense food tickets.

Mire said the ticket windows will have microphones like those at a bank so that the sellers and buyers can hear each other better.

Organizers estimate tens of thousands of people attend the annual fair, and

this year, they’ll be using clickers to count fairgoers as they enter. That method won’t account for people who leave and return, but it’ll provide a better idea of attendance.

Last year, the Firemen’s Fair yielded a profit of $756,085.66.

Fire Department President Joe Ayo said many members take vacation to help with the event, which makes up 40 percent of the department’s budget.

Mire worked on entertainment this year. He said he had most of the performers booked by the end of last year, but it took a lot of work as well as negotiating to ensure

Preparation for the next Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair will begin almost immediately after this year’s event ends. [KIM SMITH]

the Fire Department stayed within budget.

This year’s headliner is country musician Dylan Scott, known for his hit song “My Girl.” Other acts include ‘90s rock band Candlebox and several country, swamp

pop and variety bands.

“I didn’t look at what I liked, I looked at what I thought would bring people to the fairgrounds,” Mire said. “If they’ve got 20,000 people standing in front of them that do (like them), and

they’re buying my beer and hamburgers, that’s all that matters to me.”

— Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter@bridget_mire.

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THIBODAUX FIREMEN’S FAIR

Fairgoers take off on a rollercoaster at the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair.

[ABBY TABOR/STAFF -- DAILYCOMET]

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Fair raises money for trucks and other equipment

By Bridget Mire Staff Writer

E

ven though thunderstorms dampened last year’s festivities, the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department’s supporters came through for the Firemen’s Fair.

The parade was rained out on the last day.

There were no rides that day, and the fair shut down 2 ½ hours early.

Despite the hardships, the event grossed about $1.1 million, with a profit of $756,085.66.

Department President Joe Ayo said most of the money came from the auction, as many people paid extra for their items.

People seem to be

willing to support their local volunteer firefighters, especially when they can enjoy carnival rides, live music and food while doing so.

Before last year, the fair had been breaking records with each event.

In 2015, it grossed about $1.2 million and yielded a profit of $867,794.62.

That money goes toward such things as maintaining and buying equipment, fuel for fire trucks, and putting on the next year’s fair.

Ayo said the two fire trucks at the department’s newest station near the Acadia Woods subdivision cost between $700,000 and $800,000 combined.

“When I first got

LEFT: Crowds fill the fairgrounds for the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair.

[KIM SMITH]

on them,” he said. “All the technology and the electronics that go into a fire truck, it just makes it so expensive.”

The department collects 7 mills of property taxes in the city, but the Firemen’s Fair makes up about 40 percent of its budget.

“If we didn’t have the fair, then our millage would probably have to double,” Naquin said.

on the board, (it was) $50,000 for a pumper,” he said. “The last one we bought was $423,000.”

Treasurer Mike Naquin said prices have skyrocketed over the years for trucks

and other equipment firefighters need.

“A fire truck, there are so many safety features

— Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget. mire@dailycomet.com.

Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire.

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“People find places” to park at the fair annual fair is free.

“We don’t charge for parking, so if anybody sees someone charging for parking, don’t pay them,” Treasurer Mike Naquin said.

Among the places fairgoers can park are behind True Value, 1143 Tiger Drive; St. Genevieve Catholic Church, 815 Barbier Ave.; and Thibodaux High School, 1355 Tiger Fairgoers can park in various spaces, including alongside Drive. They can also park the fairgrounds. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF — DAILYCOMET] along Tiger Drive, Parish Road and the old railroad.

By Bridget Mire at 1101 Tiger Drive.

“There always seems Staff Writer By the time Firemen’s to be adequate parkFair organizers found out, ing,” Fire Chief Chad ne year, a man the man had already col- Mire said. “Even last year held up a sign lected some cash and left. with the rain, we shut saying “Parking The Fire Departthe back gate to the lot $20” near the ment wants people to and we still had (parkThibodaux Volunteer Fire know that, like admising). People find places.”

Department fairgrounds sion, parking for the The fairgrounds are

O

also used for Fire Department training and the Bayou Country Children Museum’s annual “Night at the Boo-seum.”

Now that the department owns the lot behind True Value, President Joe Ayo said it’ll try to improve that land

to make it even more suitable for parking.

Ayo said Thursday and Saturday used to be the busiest nights for the fair because of pay-oneprice rides, but expanding pay-one-price to include Friday has leveled out attendance.

“If the weather’s good, they’re going to be there,” he said.

— Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget. mire@dailycomet.com.

Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire.

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THIBODAUX FIREMEN’S FAIR

ABOVE: Laney Webre (left) and Paige Benoit take off on a thrill ride at the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF — DAILYCOMET] LEFT: Fairgoers enjoy the Yoyo. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF — DAILYCOMET]

Youngsters enjoy a thrill ride at the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair.

[ABBY TABOR/STAFF — DAILYCOMET]

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Fair support can help keep insurance premiums low

By Bridget Mire Staff Writer

B

y supporting the Firemen’s Fair, Thibodaux residents can help keep their homeowners’ insurance premiums low.

The Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department went from a Class 2 to a Class 3 in last year’s rating with the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana, former Fire Chief Randy Pate confirmed earlier this year.

The association ranks fire departments every five years on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the best.

The rating takes into account many factors, including

communications, response times and number of units going to calls, equipment, training records and water supply.

Last year, the Firemen’s Fair had a profit of $756,085.66.

That money goes toward such things as maintaining and buying equipment, which could help the Fire Department maintain or improve its rating by complying with Property Insurance Association standards.

According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance, Thibodaux’s new rating means the average annual premium for a $150,000 home would increase by about 2.2 percent from $1,271

to $1,299. The amount would vary depending on property values and each insurance company’s rate schedule.

Fire Chief Chad Mire said earlier this year that he believes many volunteer fire departments won’t be able to keep up with the everchanging ratings system.

“We’re going to do everything we can to improve it to a Class 2 or maintain a Class 3,” he said.

In an interview last year, Pate said the ratings process involves hours of documentation and sending copies to the association. After an inspection, a representative schedules a date for final review.

“Paperwork is key,” Pate said. “If it’s not on paper, it didn’t happen.”

— Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget. mire@dailycomet.com.

Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire.

A fire truck rolls during the Thibodaux Firemen’s Parade.

[KIM SMITH]

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THIBODAUX FIREMEN’S FAIR

ABOVE: Fairgoers take off on the Yoyo at the Firemen’s Fair.

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LEFT: Children enjoy a ride.

[BENJAMIN OLIVER HICKS]

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THIBODAUX FIREMEN’S FAIR

Fairgoers take off on a roller coaster at the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair.

[ABBY TABOR/STAFF — DAILYCOMET]

Adeline Melvin (left) and Maria Barrios enjoy a ride at the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair.

[ABBY TABOR/STAFF — DAILYCOMET]