Saint the alligator, designed by "Blood, Sweat and Bonfires
Despite being unable to hold tonight’s annual bonfires on the levee due to COVID restrictions, the Louisiana River Parishes Tourist Commission enlisted a 50-foot bonfire alligator in hopes it will become a tourist attraction. Executive Director Buddy Boe said the gator goes by the name of Saint.
“We decided earlier in 2020 that we wanted to build a permanent structure and mascot for the river parishes that could remind visitors and locals throughout the year about our history,” said Boe.
Saint is a smaller version of the 78-foot alligator bonfire that was constructed last year and made headlines. Boe said Saint is a reminder of the bonfire custom that was extinguished this year due to high positivity rates of COVID.
“Especially this year Saint will be a physical and visual reminder that traditions will survive corona, they will be back, things are just on pause right now,” said Boe.
The bonfires are constructed by locals and lit on Christmas Eve to guide Papa Noel, also known as Santa, to children’s homes along the river. Boe said Saint the alligator will serve as a landmark this year to guide Saint Nick.
“We’re hoping that Saint helps Santa Claus make his way down to the kids’ houses this year so that he can still deliver presents even in the middle of a pandemic,” said Boe.
Saint is located near the visitor’s center in LaPlace and Boe encourages tourists to visit and take photos with the alligator.
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