Weather Threatens St. James Bonfires, Parish’s Oldest Tradition
LUTCHER, La. (AP) — St. James Parish officials are concerned the parish's oldest tradition may face an unwanted enemy this year.
Sheriff Willy Martin says a forecast of thunderstorms and southerly wind could cause the annual Christmas Eve tradition of lighting bonfires along the Mississippi River to be postponed.
Martin said he, Parish President Timmy Roussel and the parish's director of emergency preparedness, Eric Deroche, will monitor the weather conditions Monday leading up to the traditional 7 p.m. lighting of the bonfires. He said permit-holders understand the rules and that they aren't allowed to light up until the "all-clear" is given by the sheriff.
Should the weather be a factor, Christmas night and New Year's Eve are other options for lighting the bonfires.
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