PORT ALLEN — Rain or shine, get your ducks ready because it’s time for the third annual “Jingle Jeepin’ Parade” to make its way through the streets of Port Allen! For the second year in a row now, it’s morphed into a full-day event with craft vendors, food trucks, pictures with Santa, prizes for best decorated Jeeps and rounding out the evening with a band.
Organizers say the current forecast will not change the planned event or the parade route!
(Parade route map and registration form are below. Craft & food vendors still being accepted. Must email Lwebre@wbrcvb.com to be added.)
There’s one requirement to be in the “Jingle Jeepin’ Parade:” You have to find a Jeep to drive or ride in.
VIEW SLIDESHOW OF LAST YEAR’S DECORATED JEEPS
The inaugural parade was in 2022 with over 50 Jeeps taking part driving in from all over Louisiana. Last year, over 75 Jeeps were registered. The Jeeps are decorated with lights, garland and anything else while the riders are dressed in costume, festive clothes or Santa and the Grinch!
“I expected maybe 25-30 jeeps the first year so we were pleasantly surprised. With over 50 Jeeps in our very first year, it definitely exceeded our expectations,” said Kathy Gautreau, Executive Director for the West Baton Rouge Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.
Port Allen Councilman Garry Hubble was inspired by a Jeep parade he saw while in North Carolina for the holidays and that was the inspiration to start a Jeep parade in 2022.
“When I witnessed it, I thought to myself that this is something we need to do back home,” said Hubble. “It’s involving people from all over for a night of family-oriented wholesome fun and very colorful, bright event. I want to thank all the people with Jeeps who take part in this because we have no parade without them.”
Last year’s parade was named in memory of Sidney Brown.
“Sidney lived on the parade route on Jefferson and whatever we did, he was always there for us. He would have done anything. Last year, when we launched the Jeep parade, he called and asked, ‘What can I do to help?’ He was there that night directing the Jeeps but then sadly, he passed earlier this year. He was a man of God and touched numerous people’s lives,” said Hubble.
Craft vendors will be inside the WBR Convention and Visitor’s Bureau starting at Noon. Some will stay through the day till 10pm. Food trucks will be outside and they will be serving food until they run out or till 10pm.
The parade rolls at 5:30 p.m. and Jeepers can arrive on the grounds as early as they would like to give themselves enough time to decorate on site. (It’s a bit difficult to drive down the interstate with lights on the Jeeps). Once you arrive on the grounds, you will be prompted to verify your registration for the parade. If you did not pre-register, you will have to register at that time.
In lieu of a registration cost, the WBR Convention & Visitor’s Bureau is asking everyone to bring a bag of dog or cat food. If you forget the pet food, any monetary donation will be accepted to buy pet food that the WBRCVB will donate to a local shelter.
The parade will begin and end at the WBRCVB. Throws are optional for all Jeepers. After the parade, the top three best decorated Jeeps will be announced with prizes handed out. As soon as the awards are completed, a band is expected to take the stage.
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