10 a.m. - 7 p.m. | pre-parade paddle at 7 a.m.
Acadiana Park Nature Station| Vermilionville | Bayou Vermilion | Camellia Bridge
The community is invited to let the good times flow on Sunday, May 21, for Bayou Vermilion District’s Bayou Vermilion Festival & Boat Parade at Vermilionville. The Bayou Vermilion Festival & Boat Parade is a celebration of and on the Bayou Vermilion that aims to increase awareness of the river as a viable source of recreation for Lafayette Parish as well as awareness of the Bayou Vermilion District’s efforts along the Vermilion.
BAYOU VERMILION FESTIVAL
Start the morning off at the Bayou Vermilion Festival, which kicks off at 10 a.m. at Vermilionville. Activities include free yoga, free face painting for adults and children alike, a bubbles station, live music by the Huval Fuselier trio, film showings and more. Timeline for the event can be found at the bottom of the page.
BAYOU VERMILION BOAT PARADE
If you're an early bird and would like some more time on the water, this year we have included a pre-parade paddle starting at 8 a.m. at the Acadiana Park Nature Station, arriving at Vermilionville around noon. Or you can begin your paddle at Vermilionville after the Festival around 2 p.m. with a celebratory toast by this year’s Grand Marshal, Stacey Scarce. The parade will depart from Vermilionville and end at the Camellia Bridge Launch with a celebration complete with live music by Bonsoir, Catin, as well as food and drinks. Registration opens on April 1. You MUST be registered in advance for the pre-parade paddle.
New this year we would like to encourage parade participants to decorate your boat and wear a costume. And residents and businesses that live along the parade route are also encouraged to participate by decorating your yard and inviting friends and family over to watch the parade. There will be a Spirit of The Bayou contest for best boat and costume, and best yard decorations. Those that do not live along the parade route can watch the parade at Vermilionville, Beaver Park, Rotary Point or at the Camellia Bridge. For a map of viewing locations click on the binocular image below or call (337) 233-4077.
