CHOCTAW,LA — Rides, food and fun are promised for yet another year once the Choctaw Firemen’s Fair kicks off at 6 tonight.
T.J. Lamoy and Harold Dean of Houma, members of Cajun Amusement Rides, erect a tent for the dart game Wednesday in Choctaw for the Firemen’s Fair this weekend.
In addition to catfish, hamburgers, hot dogs and fries, local specialties ranging from seafood gumbo to fried chicken with red beans will be available for purchase.
Locals say the fair — as well as regular bingo games — are what pay for fire protection mostly in this rural north Lafourche community.
Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department Vice President Mitchell Tabor, says he knows too well how important that money is.
“It means money to keep up the fire department because we don’t get any money from taxes,” he said.
Tabor, with the fire department 26 years, described how much has changed over the years for the fair.
“It’s much better than past years,” he said “We used to have to set up tents and all kinds of wiring. Now all we have to do is flip some switches and keep the place clean.”
Barbra Singelton, owner of Cajun Amusement Rides, Choctaw’s is a family festival.
“You don’t even have to worry about people getting in trouble because everyone knows each other,” she said.
“That’s why we love it,” said Teri Dean, her 39-year-old daughter from Houma. “Its quiet.”
Bands playing this weekend include Foret Tradition, Southern Knights, Junior Lacrosse, Something Sneaky and Way Down South.
The fair runs tonight, as well as all day Saturday and until 6 p.m. Sunday.
A parade will be held Sunday morning at 10:30 starting at Sixth Ward Middle School and ending at the fairgrounds.