Christmas parade king, queen named

The Downtown Business Association Christmas Parade turns 30 this year but the fun was young at heart Monday night when the 2007 king and queen were unveiled, along with grand marshals, during a ceremony at Lagniappe Too.

New Iberia Mayor Pro-Tem Freddie DeCourt is serving as king, and the general contractor/designer said he was thrilled with the news.

"It's awesome," DeCourt said Monday night. "However, I feel more like Burger King than the king. I'm probably going to try and lose the crown, because I'm not sure it goes with my head. You might see me in an elf's hat."

The lifelong New Iberia resident said he is looking forward to riding in the parade, which traditionally rolls on the Monday following Thanksgiving.

Little River Inn co-owner Lori Hurst is the 2007 queen, a recognition the self-described restaurant "water girl" said was humbling.

"When you look at the list of past queens, it's some of the most accomplished women in New Iberia," Hurst said. "I have some big shoes to fill. I'm not sure how I went from water girl to queen, but I'm honored. There have been many powerful, great women who have rode in this parade, and I'm glad to just be associated with them."

Serving in dual roles as grand marshal this year are city stalwarts Alfred "Smitty" and Dianne Landry. Paul Schwing, who had to miss Monday's ceremony for health reasons, broke the news to the Landrys when the couple were eating dinner at Victor's Cafeteria last week.

"I've never done anything like this before," Smitty Landry said. "But, how can you refuse? It will be a new experience."

Dianne Landry, who moved to New Iberia from Lafayette after getting married, said the parade is going to be a lot of fun.

This year's court, along with many friends and family, used Monday to start the fun early, enjoying grits and grillades, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, mirliton and shrimp casserole and seafood gumbo.

All food and refreshments were prepared by Al and Elaine Landry and guest chef Walter Voorhies.