Each Christmas Eve, the levees of Louisiana’s River Parishes come alive with the glow of towering wooden bonfires, built to guide "Papa Noel" (Santa Claus) along the Mississippi River. This long-standing tradition, rooted in local history, has evolved into a popular community event. But in 2020, the pandemic interrupted the usual bonfire celebration. To keep the tradition visible year-round, the Louisiana River Parishes Tourist Commission (LARPTC) unveiled Saint, a 50-foot wooden alligator, near the LaPlace Visitor Center.

The bonfires are typically crafted from wood and cane reeds, often taking the shape of unusual effigies like teepees, cabins, or trucks. Their purpose is clear: to light the way for Santa Claus to visit children in the area. While the pandemic paused the annual bonfire gathering, Saint serves as a physical marker of the tradition’s resilience.

Saint, designed by Garyville’s Bonfire Builders, is a smaller version of the 78-foot alligator bonfire built in 2019. It captures the spirit of the community's festive efforts and serves as a new landmark. Visitors can now stop by to take photos and remember that while the world may change, traditions like the bonfires continue to have a place in the region’s cultural life.