Your guide to the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair, sponsored by WGNO
Kylee Bond and Raeven Poole
A Thibodaux tradition that has spread like wildfire!
THIBODAUX, La. (WGNO) — The time has come to stop, drop, and let the good times roll at the 2023 Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair, sponsored by WGNO!
More than 130 years in the making, this event proves time and time again to be one of Louisiana’s favorites all while supporting the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department, the largest volunteer fire department in the nation with more than 500 members.
The first Firemen’s Fair was held in 1883 and raised nearly $250 for the Thibodaux Fire Department. Today, the event brings in thousands of visitors for a weekend of food, live music, rides, prizes, and one of the longest-running parades in history.
Catch WGNO Live on the Road at 5 and 6PM on Thursday, May 4 where we will give you a live look at the world-famous Firemen’s Fair burgers, the entertainment, and of course, the volunteer firefighters who make it all possible.
4:30pm-6:30pm — Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers
7pm-9pm — Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition
9pm — $15,000 raffle drawing, fair closes
Food
Fairgoers will be met with a wide selection of food, including the famous Firemen’s Fair burger! While they are busy fighting fires and saving lives every other day of the year, firefighters with the Thibodaux Fire Department will split into dozens of teams to prepare a unique dish for visitors. While you’re there, check out these options:
Shrimp stew
Shrimp creole
Crab cakes with crawfish sauce
Crawfish pie
Gumbo
Boudin
Jambalaya
Funnel sticks
Turkey legs
Firemen’s Parade
Crowds will line the streets on Sunday for one of the fair’s biggest events, the Firemen’s Parade. Older than most Mardi Gras krewes and believed to be one of the oldest parades still running today, the event is sure to bring thousands together in 2023.
The parade begins Sunday at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Blake Court and Menard Street. It will conclude at the fairgrounds.
Rides
What’s a fair without the rides? We’re told this year will bring a large selection of rides sure to attract everyone from kids to thrill-seekers. This includes:
Ferris wheel
Tilt-a-Whirl
Bumper cars
Thrill rides
Children’s rides
A plethora of carnival games
Pricing
Wristbands are available for $25 each and can be used the following days:
Thursday: 5-11PM
Friday: 5-12AM
Saturday: 11-6PM
Visitors can also purchase a mega pass for $75, which is good for all hours the fair is open, including Sunday.
Auctions
Both live and silent auctions will be held through the weekend. A major key to fundraising efforts is the contributions made during these auctions. Prizes range anywhere from $20 car washes to a $10,000 custom-made boat and a unique celebrity experience. Who’s the celebrity? You’ll just have to show up to find out! All auction purchases are tax-deductible.
Schedule
Saturday @ 6pm — Behind the float barn
Sunday immediately after the parade — Inside Grand Marshal’s Den (Parade Float Barn)
5K and Fun Run
Register now for the 10th anniversary of the Firemen’s Fair Fun Run and 5K! All kids ages 5-17 can register for free, sponsored once again by Thibodaux Regional Health System. All adult (ages 18+) pre-registrations will receive a $10 food/drink voucher for the fair.
Registration will last up until race day on Saturday morning. The race begins at 8 a.m. at the fairgrounds entrance and will roll through downtown Thibodaux before heading back to the fairgrounds. All participants will receive a commemorative medal and complimentary refreshments.
Raffle — $15,000 grand prize!
Be sure to buy tickets throughout the fair to be entered to win a variety of raffle 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
