A heart (and body) warming tradition

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The River Parishes continued an old tradition Saturday night with the annual lighting of bonfires along the Mississippi River levee. Although no one is really sure how the tradition got started, legend has it the bonfires light the way for Papa Noel as he makes he way down the often foggy banks of the Mississippi. Christmas Eve bonfires in Reserve drew many, including Na’Daisha Pitts, Jem-Zahre Johnson and Ladisha Pitts. They are shown in front of this one by Red McGee and friends. McGee has been building his bonfire in the same spot for the last 21 years.