BATON ROUGE, La. – Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism have unveiled the performers and float riders representing the state at the 2025 Tournament of Roses® Parade in Pasadena, California. For the fourth consecutive year, Louisiana will take center stage during the iconic New Year’s Day celebration, this time embracing the parade theme, “Best Day Ever!”
“Louisiana is the perfect fit for this year’s theme,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “We’re going to show the world that the best day ever is a day spent in Louisiana. Our float, themed Louisiana Saturday Night, will bring all the food, fun, and music that make our state special and transform a Wednesday in Pasadena.”
A Celebration of Louisiana Culture
The float will feature a giant crowned alligator adorned with Mardi Gras beads, clutching a second-line umbrella, and surrounded by a Cajun dance hall, cypress trees, musical instruments, seafood, and wildlife. Rising country star Timothy Wayne will perform his rendition of Louisiana Saturday Night, adding a lively soundtrack to the vibrant display.
Premier Sponsors and Riders
The float is sponsored by six convention and visitors bureaus and tourism boards from across Louisiana, including Explore Houma, Lafayette Travel, Tangipahoa Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Baton Rouge, Visit Shreveport-Bossier, and Visit The Northshore.
“This year’s riders embody everything that makes a Louisiana Saturday night unforgettable—music, food, celebration, and even a nod to LSU’s Tiger Stadium,” said Lt. Governor Nungesser.
Float Riders
The 2025 Louisiana float riders include:
- Mark Falgout: Owner of Blue Moon Saloon & Guesthouse (Lafayette Travel – Premier Sponsor)
- Eddie Kennison III: Senior Account Executive, LSU Sports Properties, and former LSU football player (Visit Baton Rouge – Premier Sponsor)
- Kinion Bankston: Owner of Southern Boyz Store and broadcaster of Southern Boyz Outdoors (Tangipahoa Convention & Visitors Bureau – Premier Sponsor)
- Waylon Thibodeaux: Cajun musician (Explore Houma – Premier Sponsor)
- Damian Chapman: Chef and owner of Orlandoux’s Café (Visit Shreveport-Bossier – Premier Sponsor)
- Christian Serpas: Musician with Christian Serpas & Ghost Town (Visit The Northshore – Premier Sponsor)
- Leighton LeBlanc: Cajun fiddler, media relations director, and former festival queen (St. Martin Parish)
- Catherine Elizabeth Owen: 74th Ozone Camellia Festival Queen (St. Tammany Parish)
- Emmy Addams: Director of Communications & Outreach, Office of the First Lady (East Baton Rouge Parish)
Global Broadcast
The Tournament of Roses® Parade, presented by Honda, will roll on January 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. Central, with live broadcasts on major networks, including ABC and NBC.
Volunteer Opportunities
Louisiana residents interested in joining the fun can volunteer to help decorate the state’s float in Pasadena. Visit the Explore Louisiana Rose Parade webpage for more information.
This year’s float promises to showcase the vibrant culture, unique heritage, and boundless energy that make Louisiana an unforgettable destination.