The Creole Farmers Market, a Main Street Association committee, invites young people in the area to take part in the Chariot (pronounced sha ree o) parade (Children’s Illuminated Cardboard Parade), a century old tradition, on Sun., Nov 4, at 7pm in front of St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church on Main Street in St. Martinville. Registration is free of charge and begins at 6:30.
The public is also invited to Chariot Memories, a new exhibit on the Chariot parade, at the Cultural Heritage Center, beginning Nov. 2 and continuing through November. Included are photos from the 1955 Fournet Scrapbook, prints from Jean Wattigny’s series on the Chariot parade and some of the past Chariot winners. Entry to the museums is $3 for adults and free for children under 12 with accompanying adult.
The story that has been handed down is that a young boy from St. Martinville went to New Orleans with his parents where he saw the street cars lit up at night. He came home and made his own version with a shoe box and candles and shared it with the neighborhood children. There was born the St. Martinville version of a chariot or a car.
The organized version of the parade started in the 1960s.
The four categories for the parade will be plain box, fancy box, kid made and float. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies will be awarded, as well as best overall. All participants will receive a ribbon.
There will be a raffle this year for a Ceramic Commemorative plate depicting St. Martin de Tours Church and the Chariot Parade, by Nicole Bradley. You will be able to purchase your tickets during the event or from any member of the Creole Farmers Market committee.
Prizes from local merchants will be drawn for those present. Everyone is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets.
The Cultural Heritage Center open Tues-Sat from 10am-4pm and is located at 125 So. New Market St., next to the Evangeline Oak. For more information on the exhibit, contact Tourism at 337-394-2233 ortourism@stmartinville.org. For more information on the parade, visit the Creole Farmers Market Facebook page.
