Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: St. James Parish, Louisiana, 30.0281515, -90.9429296

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2010-12-24

Duration: 00:06:53

Subjects: Holidays | Christmas | Bonfires on the Levee

Contributors:

• Whinham, Charlie Host
• Sanford, Shauna Host
• Whinham, Charlie Producer
• Fortenberry, Rex Q. Photographer
• Whitney, Jeff Interviewee
• Adams, Kim Interviewee
• Bourgeois, Hunter Interviewee
• Roussel, Larry Interviewee

This segment from the December 24, 2010, episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features Charlie Whinham’s visit to St. James Parish as the communities of Lutcher, Gramercy, and Paulina prepare for the annual Christmas Eve Bonfire on the Levees. He talks to resident Jeff Whitney about the history of the Christmas tradition and the process of putting together the bonfires. Whinham also attends the Festival of the Bonfires, where he helps to judge the gumbo cook-off. He also interviews festivalgoers Kim Adams and Hunter Bourgeois about their experience at the festival. Lastly, Whinham talks to festival organizer Larry Roussel about the importance of these Christmas traditions to St. James Parish. This story is a part of the "Louisiana Christmas Journey" series. Hosts: Charlie Whinham and Shauna Sanford