Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Board of Directors of the Festival of the Bonfires along with parish officials have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 festival due to COVID-19 restrictions, but will continue the Christmas Eve tradition of lighting of the bonfires following COVID-19 guidelines.

Nearly every fair and festival in the state has been canceled throughout this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The current restrictions in Phase 3 do not allow outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people, must wear masks and social distance of visitors 6 feet part, live music with no dancing and fixed seating. It does not allow alcohol sales after 11 pm, must provide crowd manager for event 50 attendees, and other restrictions or requirements. Unfortunately, the committee does not have the manpower to fulfill these requirements. In addition, the State of Alcohol Tobacco Control has been denying request for liquor licenses to all other festivals due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Festival of the Bonfires organizers expressed their appreciation to everyone who volunteers to help make each and every Festival of the Bonfires a wonderful family tradition experience. The Board and Committee of the Festival of the Bonfires along with parish officials are wholly committed to keeping our St. James Parish tradition of Christmas Eve Lighting of the bonfires a priority. They look forward to seeing everyone at next year’s festival.