Firemen offer a hot time in Thibodaux

It’s appropriate a group of firemen are behind what may be the region’s hottest festival.

The Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair runs April 28 through May 1, and helps in large part support the city’s more than 450-member volunteer fire department.

As one of the state’s oldest festivals, the Firemen’s Fair unites all eight of the department’s divisions. Each company volunteers to help run the annual event.

In fact, the festivities are organized entirely by the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department, including cooking the food and booking the bands. The only thing the firemen don’t do is run the rides.

“The community comes out in support of what we do as volunteers: fighting fires at all hours of the day,” said festival chairman and volunteer fireman David LeBlanc. “We’re volunteers, so this is not something we get paid for doing.”

The Firemen’s Fair traditionally is a big draw. With its top-rate musical entertainment, country superstar Mark Chesnutt and Bucky Covington of American Idol fame and Rockin Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters for starters, and authentic Cajun classics, gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish pie washed down with a gulp of Firemen’s Punch, the day’s fun is sure to entertain the entire family, LeBlanc said.

“Our entertainment has also been upgraded over the years and this year’s musical lineup is second to none,” he said. In addition to the performers mentioned above, musical acts include No Exit, the Chee Weez, Top Cats, Heart and Soul, Ruff N Ready, Good Feelin’, The Groove, Way Down South, Velvet Sky, Don Rich and Foret Tradition.

Thursday and Saturday, visitors can buy pay-one-price passes and enjoy unlimited rides for one low price.

Admission to the festival is free, although there is a charge associated with the food and rides.

Proceeds from the four-day festival help buy needed equipment and to fund training for volunteer emergency responders.

On Sunday, the firefighters salute the city, parading through Thibodaux in style. LeBlanc said this year’s theme is the Music of the ’80s. Floats will celebrate music from the 1930s to present day.

Beginning at 1 p.m., decorated fire trucks, emergency vehicles and floats wind their way through town to the fairgrounds.

“I’m hoping this year’s festival and parade will draw people out,” LeBlanc said. “It’s a great feeling to know they’re behind us and the volunteer work we do.”

For more information about the event, call (985) 446-FAIR or visit www.thibfiredept.org.