Bayou-Fest & Boat Parade

Gather your friends! Bring your kayak, canoe, pirogue, bass boat, barge, paddle board, dragon-boat, inflatable unicorn, or any other (decorated!) watercraft that your heart desires! Grab your cooler, your fiddle, your best costumes, your dog, whatever, while you’re at it, and get ready to join one of the best days on the bayou to celebrate the Bayou Vermilion.

This annual celebration of the Bayou Vermilion begins at Vermilionville and continues downriver for about 10 miles to Southside Park. Attendees may rent a canoe or kayak, or bring their own paddle craft or motorized boat to join in the parade. This event on the Bayou happens every year to increase awareness of the river as a viable source of recreation for Lafayette Parish citizens. In addition, it’s a celebration of the efforts of Bayou Vermilion District to conserve and preserve sites along the river, trash/debris clean up, and water quality management.

Raise a glass to the celebratory toast by this year’s Grand Marshal, Jenee Dansdil, the President of the Bayou Vermilion Preservation Association. The parade, serenaded by the New Natives Brass Band, proceeds 10.6 miles down river to BVD’s Southside Park. If you prefer a shorter journey, you may join the parade beginning at Camellia Boulevard canoe and kayak launch and end at Southside Park, which is 5.0 miles.

The Bayou Vermilion Mini-Fest at Southside Park begins at 3pm, with music from Ask for Ashley, plus games, food by La Cuisine de Maman, beverages, and beer!

Event details subject to change. Click source links for latest information.