The Natchitoches Historic District Business Association and the City of Natchitoches will kick off the 2018 Natchitoches Christmas Season Nov. 17 as they officially “Turn on the Holidays”.
Marching units, bands, dance teams, cheer groups, specialty units and float participants are invited to be a part of the 92nd Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights Parade Saturday, Dec. 1. Interested groups must submit an application for inclusion in the parade. Parade applications are available online and must be submitted by Aug. 31. A limited number of units in each category will be accepted this year.
The Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights Parade is the preeminent holiday parade recognized for its tradition of excellence. The parade embodies a unique blend of young and old parade units who annually delight Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights audiences.
Defined by the Festival of Lights Parade’s Standards of Excellence, each parade partner must embrace and exhibit Christmas Spirit by decorating, dressing, marching, acting, selecting music and performing in a manner consistent with the Christmas holidays keeping in mind that the targeted audience for the parade are children and families.
Those who wish to be included in the 92nd Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights Parade can submit applications online at http://www.natchitocheschristmas.com/information/festival-of-lights-parade/ .
For more information, contact Jill Leo, HDBA Director of Festivals and Events, at (318) 652-7078.
Entertainment
Louisiana native, Wayne Toups, will headline the entertainment for the 92nd Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival Dec. 1. Also featured throughout the season will be Maggie Rose, Chicken on the Bone, Jaryd Lane, 92Twenty and Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs. Many local favorites will accompany these bands each week.
Musical entertainment will begin each weekend at 4:30 p.m. on the rue Beauport Stage with the exception of Festival weekend with a starting time of 2:45 p.m.
Nov. 17 – Cane River Soul & 92Twenty
Nov. 24 – LaCour Trio & Chicken on the Bone
Dec. 1 – Louisiana Sidemen & Wayne Toups
Dec. 8 – Mike McKenzie Band & Maggie Rose
Dec. 15 – Southbound 71 & Jaryd Lane
December 22 – Paul & Pete Band & Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs
For more information on the 92nd Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival, visit www.NatchitochesChristmas.com.