Annual fairs, festivals, and parades have been occurring in the parish for decades, one for over a century. Many take place in churchyards, on school grounds, at bridge parks, and at plantations and are eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike.
Mr. Alligator greets his fans at an early Alligator Festival.
An early Catfish Festival brochure welcomes visitors to Des Allemands.
The Alligator Festival fairgrounds as pictured in 1977.
St. Charles Borromeo Fiesta, 1953.
Source: St. Charles Parish Sugar Festival Brochure, 1973
A Red Church festival brings families out to enjoy carnival rides and activities.The Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival crowd in 2006.
The Norco Christmas Parade in 1974 featured a visit from Santa just as it does today.The Norco Christmas Parade Fire Chief salutes the crowd in 2009.
The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office rides in the Des Allemands parade.The first Luling Parade in 1978 highlighted King and Queen “Papa John” and Jennie Bushalacchi.
The St. Charles Hospital float in the Krewe of Des Allemands Parade.Hahnville High School Band Director David Rosenthal has marched in every parade since the Krewe of Lul began. He retired in 2009—the year this picture was taken. (Photo courtesy of Debbie Dufresne Vial)