GRAMERCY, La. – At around 7 p.m., it happens. Folks start each bonfire – more than 100 of them – all along the Mississippi River levee.
It's a Christmas Eve tradition dating back to the 1800s. The fires are meant to light the way for Papa Noel and bring joy to those witnessing the spectacle.
“Christmas time, you know, enjoy life and be happy. You know, enjoy Christmas and that's what it's all about, the tradition,” said Gramercy resident David Johnson.
Dale Paccamonti, a Baton Rouge resident, said the tradition is unique. “You're not gonna see this anywhere else,” he said. “It's just one of a kind."
"We come down every year,” said Jane Paccamonti, Dale’s wife. “We've been here in the dry weather, cold weather, rainy weather."
This chilly night was welcome, coming on the heels of an otherwise rainy day.
But Mother Nature almost spoiled the fun this year. In November, the Army Corps of Engineers nearly cancelled the event because of high water levels in the Mississippi River.
After officials finally gave the green light, several days of heavy downpours cut into time folks needed to build their flammable wooden works of art -- like this signature Louisiana symbol, compliments of the Gramercy Fire Department.
"Basically, we had to come up with something within a week. We just tried to figure out something simple, and since our wonderful Saints are doing so good right now, we went ahead and made the fleur de lis this year,” said Shane Rojas of the Gramercy Fire Department. "Everything is coming together. We made it happen."
And like it always does, the bonfire celebration of 2009 became a travel destination.
"Never been here before. This is our first trip here. I've always wanted to come, and I figured well, this is as good a time as any,” said Central resident Janet Dodson.
As the fires burn along the levee, fireworks help light up the skies overhead.
Whether they're from a few miles down the road, or out of state, most people agree, it's a celebration they'll enjoy for future Christmas Eves.
"It's great, you know, especially being from New Orleans. We have a unique culture, and there's nowhere else like this in the country, where you can do something like this, especially with our family here,” said Tom Mackie, an Asheville, North Carolina resident. “It's a really unique tradition. We're real happy to be here."
While there are some points of contention as to exactly when this tradition began, there's no question: it's an event folks here cherish. Many stay out here until well after midnight celebrating.
