THIBODAUX, La. (WGNO) — “Great balls of fire!” It’s time once again to head out to the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair with WGNO!
Supporters from near and far, from young to the young at heart are invited to participate in special activities and indulge in delicious foods to bring in funds to benefit the local volunteer fire department.
The WGNO crew will be live at the fairgrounds on the first day of fun, May 2, to showcase the weekend jam-packed with music, food, rides and prizes.
🚒 Firemen’s Parade
The annual Firemen’s Parade is a tradition that dates back to 1866, which is reported to be the first-ever parade. During the earlier times, fair officials said firemen would parade around town with their equipment, led by the grand marshal, passing by friends and family who would provide them with refreshments.
The parade is a time for firemen to show off their equipment and manpower and for the community to show appreciation to the responders who protect their lives and properties.
The Firemen’s Parade will happen on Sunday, May 5. It will start at the corner of Blake Court and Menard Street and end at the fairgrounds.
🥇 5K and Fun Run
2024 will mark the 10th Annual 5K Run/Walk. The event is sponsored by the Thibodaux Regional Health System and is open to runners and walkers ages 5 to 17 years old. Additionally, all adult participants will receive a $10 food/drink voucher.
Participants have until Friday, May 3 to register. The race begins at the fairgrounds entrance at 8 a.m. with the route taking them through Thibodaux’s Historic Downtown District and back to the fairgrounds entrance where commemorative Firemen’s Race Medals and refreshments will be given.
📅 Event Schedule
Thursday, May 2
- 5 p.m. — Fair Opening Ceremony
- 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Andrea RhodesNational Anthem
- 5 to 11 p.m. — Pay-One-Price Rides $25
- 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Ryan Foret & Foret TraditionSwamp Pop
- 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. — Kings of NeonSouth Louisiana Cover Band
- 11 p.m. — Fair Closes
Friday, May 3
- 5 p.m. — Fair Opens
- 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. — Pay-One-Price Rides $25
- 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Thomas Cain
- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. — 5k & Fun Run Registration and Check In.
- 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. — Joe Haydel
- 10:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. — Travis DenningCountry Superstar
- 12:30 a.m. — Fair Closes
Saturday, May 4
- 7:30 a.m. — Fun Run Begins
- 8 a.m. — 5K Begins
- 11 a.m. — Fair Opens
- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Pay-One-Price Rides $25
- 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Bang BangVarious
- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. — PBR PlusVarious
- 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Electric RambleVarious
- 6 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. — KrossfyreVarious
- 6 p.m. — First Auction Begins
- 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. — ZizziVarious
- 10:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. — Puddle of Mudd90s Alternative Rock
- 12:30 a.m. — Fair Closes
Sunday, May 5
- 11 a.m. — Fair Opens
- 11 a.m. — Firemen’s Parade
- 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Gerald Gruenig & Gentilly ZydecoZydeco
- Directly After Parade
- Firemen’s Auction
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Don RichSwamp Pop
- 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. — Keith Frank & The Soileau Zydeco BandZydeco
- 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. — Junior Lacrosse & Sumtin’ SneakySwamp Pop
- Close of the fair $15,000 Raffle
- 9 p.m. Fair Closes
🎡 Rides
Actor Johnny Depp once said, “I think the thing to do is to enjoy the ride while you’re on it.” No truer words have been spoken when standing in line at the tilt-a-whirl. Why stop there? Don’t forget about the bumper cars, thrill rides, children rides, carnival games and a great way to end the day, the Ferris wheel.
Fair organizers say thrill seekers can purchase the pay-one-price wristbands to participate in all the fun all day long. Bracelets can be purchased:
- Thursday, May 2 — 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday, May 3 — 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Saturday, May 4 — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
🍔 Food
After spinning, twirling, sliding and gliding, fairgoers are going to be hungry for the good eats available at the fair. Fair organizers will be providing dishes such as shrimp stew, shrimp creole, crab cakes crawfish pie, gumbo, turkey legs and the Famous Firemen’s Fair Burger. All the food listed is made by the hard working fire companies across the parish.
👩🚒 Auctions
During the first-ever Firemen’s Fair in 1883, fair organizers said the event brought in a grand total of $250 in donations for the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department. This year, they are anticipating a greater outcome with two days of auctions.
The first auction will happen Saturday, April 4 behind the Float Barn and the second will happen Sunday, April 5 inside the Grand Marshal Den directly after the 5K Run/Walk.
Prizes range from a $20 car wash to a week-long hunting trip, to $10,000 custom-made boats and unique celebrity experiences.
🎟️ Raffle
Tickets will be available for purchase for anyone who feels lucky enough to participate in the raffle with prizes ranging from cash and gift cards to a $15,000 grand prize! You do not need to be present to win.
| 1st | $15,000 Cash GRAND PRIZE | Thibodaux Vol. Fire Department |
| 2nd | $1,000 Cash | 2022 Grand Marshal Danny Cavell |
| 3rd | $1,000 Cash | 2002 Grand Marshal Ken Rodrigue |
| 4th | $1,000 Cash | In Memory of Lou Toups |
| 5th | $1,000 Cash | In Memory of Neal Swanner & Christine “Poonie” Naquin |
| 6th | $1,000 Gift Card | Wag-a-pak, 2013 GM. Al Waguespack |
| 7th | $1,000 Gift Card | Gaubert Oil Company |
| 8th | 14 Karat Gold Freshwater Pearl Set | Bill George Jewelers |
| 9th | $500 Cash | Southern Trailer Works and Southern Sign & Design |
| 10th | $500 Cash | American South Mortgage Lending |
| 11th | $500 Cash | Robichaux Ford |
| 12th | $500 Gift Card | Rouses Market |
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