Big plans for a small parade

Long-time residents probably remember when Houma’s Christmas Parade consisted of Santa, an elf or two and a handful of other friendly faces.

Today, hundreds of local folks line the street to celebrate the season.

And that’s what South Louisiana Center for the Arts Executive Director Jonathan Foret envisions with this year’s Halloween Parade.

A first for the area, the walking parade with its cast of ghouls, goblins and the like will take to Downtown Houma Friday, Oct. 26.

The night coincides with a number of downtown events – Downtown Live After 5 and a special outdoor movie session in Houma’s Memorial Park – making it an ideal opportunity to discover how many family-friendly things there are to do in the city.

The theme of this year’s inaugural Halloween Parade is “Grimm’s Fairy Tales,” making the costuming choices virtually endless. The prolific Brothers Grimm are responsible for such favorites as “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Hansel and Gretel,” “Rumpelstiltskin” and “Snow White.”

SoLA has laid all the groundwork.

The parade route has been selected. It will travel from Town Hall on Barrow Street to near the Courthouse on Church Street.

This year’s royalty has been named. Long-time SoLA associate and premier makeup artist Tammy Chaisson will reign as queen in all her, uh, gala.

Now all that’s missing are the players.

A number of SoLA members were quick to sign up. And Foret has heard from a couple of civic organizations. But there’s plenty of room still for this party.

The walking parade is searching for groups with at least 10, but no more than 50, participants to join the fun. Families are welcome to parade, too. Foret said he’ll find people to team newcomers with.

And children can participate as long as they are accompanied by an adult chaperone.

This year’s throws will be limited to candy only, which the participants are responsible for providing.

So, here’s the challenge Tri-parishes. Let’s turn out in droves to make the Halloween Parade an October staple in Downtown Houma. Pull out your best costume and whether

you’re in the parade or shouting “Throw me something, Goblin!”

from the sidelines, let’s make this Oct. 26 a night to remember.