Patterson sets Christmas lighting event, contests

Patterson will hold a Christmas lighting boat parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 13. Boats will start at Cajun Jack’s and end at Bridge Road on the Lower Atchafalaya in Patterson.
Sponsored by the Patterson Economic Development Tourist Committee, the boat parade is open to any kind of personal boat and participants need not be a resident of Patterson, according to the committee’s news release. All water vessel entries need to follow Coast Guard regulations.
Registration is required as is an entry fee of $25. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded to the best light decorated boats. Deadline for entering the boat parade is Dec. 12.
For more information, or to obtain a form and/or pay boat entry fee, contact Ryan Aucoin at City Hall via email at ryan.aucoin@cityofpattersonla.gov or call 985-395-5205 or 985-519-1928.
The Patterson Lower Atchafalaya Main Street/Cultural District committee is asking for all residents or businesses located on Main Street to participate in a Christmas lighting contest. This contest will be free to enter with no registration necessary. To enter just decorate your home or business with Christmas lights and/or decorations.
Residents living on the riverside are encouraged to decorate front and back of their home or business to give boat parade participants a show, according to the news release. The back of the property will be eligible for judging, also.
Home and business lighting judging will begin immediately following the boat parade. An awards ceremony for both events will follow at City Hall. Gumbo will be available for $4 a bowl and soda for $1. Hot chocolate will be provided free for the children. Santa Claus will be available by the Christmas tree to take pictures with children.
Prizes for homes and/or businesses are: $300, first place; $200, second place; and $100, third place.
Prizes for boats are: $300, first; $200, second; and $100, third.