Grand Parade of Cotton/Tournoi has new lineup info

By: CARISSA HEBERT
Managing Editor

Those attending the Grand Parade of Cotton/Tournoi should be aware of road closures and how lineup will occur. All of this is being done to protect the young participants in the parade. Last year, an accident occurred as young royalty were exiting a vehicle to climb onto a trailer.
Safety will be a key issue this year, and the Ville Platte will close Main Street at the intersection of Main and Mac Arthur at approximately 10:30 a.m. All traffic will be diverted to Lincoln Road. Lineup for the noon parade will begin between 10:30 and 11 a.m.

No traffic will be allowed through this intersection or onto Dupre Street between LaSalle and Magnolia streets. Parents who are bringing young participants should be familiar with the area to make sure they can navigate to the area where they will need to be. If you have to access the area, you will have to travel on Thompson and Magnolia streets. You will not be allowed through the light at Dupre and Main streets, and if you are in the center of lineup, you will not be able to exit the area.

South Dupre will be used for truck and trailer lineup. If you are dropping your child off in this area, you are asked not to turn onto South Dupre. You will not be allowed to cross Main Street. You should drop off your young participant and then proceed down West Magnolia toward S. Thompson or Dossman Street. Those who choose to go to Thompson, will have to cross over Main and return to LaSalle Street.

Floats will lineup on the left side of Main Street beginning at the red light. Music and other trailers will be on the right side of Main Street and down Thompson Street.

Dance groups, walking units and marching bands will be at the intersection of N. Dupre and Main Street in Mikey’s Donuts’ parking lot. No vehicles should be parked in this area. This is a business area.

The bank’s parking lot will be utilized for cars and authorized motorcycles.
Tournoi riders will be located at the old hospital parking lot (side nearest South Thompson).

The motoring public is thanked for its cooperation. Please remember to not litter in this area. Organizers will be under the red light at Dupre and Main streets.

No four wheelers will be allowed, unless they have been pre-approved by a festival board member. Please remember there will be horses in the area and loud noises could spook them.

There is still time to register for the parade by contacting Kelli at 363-6367.

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See more of the Louisiana Cotton Festival online by clicking here.