Lafayette, LA – The annual parade in Scott, Louisiana, which kicked off on Saturday, was marked by both excitement and frustration, as several float riders encountered issues that left them unable to participate in the procession. Despite the large turnout, including 36 floats, the event’s organizers were forced to turn away four floats after they were found to be in violation of parade regulations.
Caleb Lege, president of the Scott Business Association, which organizes the parade, confirmed that 36 floats took part this year, but the issue arose when it was discovered that four vehicles pulling the floats did not meet the event’s compliance standards. The rule in question, outlined in the event’s official regulations, prohibits any vehicle in the parade from having wheels that extend beyond the body of the vehicle.
Lege explained that the rule had been provided to all participants in advance, with everyone signing off on the guidelines before the event. Scott police were tasked with ensuring that vehicles adhered to the regulation, and only those that met the requirements were permitted to join the parade. However, several float riders expressed frustration after their vehicles were disqualified, despite having followed all of the instructions.
Collin Broussard, one of the float riders affected, shared his experience of being turned away due to the non-compliance. Broussard was given the opportunity to find an alternative vehicle to pull the float, but with time running out, he was ultimately denied entry. His disappointment grew as he observed other vehicles with wheels extending beyond the regulations being allowed to participate.
“The looks on the kids’ faces, especially since it was their first time ever riding, was the most aggravating part of it all,” Broussard said. “It just didn’t seem fair, especially when others got to go despite similar violations.”
The situation has sparked discussions among participants and local residents, many of whom took to social media to voice their concerns. Some questioned the consistency of the rule enforcement, while others sympathized with the float riders who had invested significant time and money into preparing their floats.
In response to the incident, Lege confirmed that the Scott Business Association’s board of directors would meet on Tuesday evening to discuss potential solutions. One option being considered is offering refunds to the float riders who were unable to participate due to the compliance issue.
While the parade continued with the remaining floats, the unresolved frustrations remain a point of contention among participants. The upcoming meeting of the Scott Business Association could determine how best to address the situation and ensure a smoother experience for next year’s parade.