What a week end. Our good friends Sue and Larry stopped in with their 5th wheel for a couple of nights stay on their way back to Vancouver Wash. We did some antiquing on Friday (no treasures found this excursion....still looking). Then on Saturday we headed towards Natchitoches, Louisiana to partake in their Christmas Festival weekend. It was also the 300th anniversary (tri-centennial) of the city. What we experienced was a Christmas / Madri Gras / 4th of July combo celebration.

 

What a blast............

 

Held my first (and probably last) gator.......then ate him.

Do not believe the "tastes like chicken" line, much better.

Kind of a combo chicken pork flavor, very scrumptious.

 

All waiting for the parade to start. Sue and Larry standing.....

Lisa (closest) and Sheila setting.

Even Riley was full of  anticipation (Sue and Larry's favorite dog)

 

 

Parade started at 1pm was not over until 3:30. That is right, a 2 and 1/2 hour Christmas parade. But wait......beads, candy, stuffed animals, other misc toys thrown into the crowd....a Xmas parade with a heavy Mardi Gras flavor.

 



The local police lead the way with a choreographed motorcycle

riding exhibit. Nice!!!!!!

 

The crowds lined the parade route from the air and on the ground.

Looks like the French Quarter for sure.

Even the Grinch was there!!!!!

 

Santa seemed to be everywhere...and appeared to be not to happy about it!!!!!

 

But finally he declared the parade over and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

 

The day concluded with fireworks and a light display over the river.

 

Bridge on fire !!!!!!

Sue enjoying the festivities and showing off her Mardi Gras bead collection.