A carnival train and bicycle “parade” through St. Martinville on Christmas Day is renewing questions about what does and does not constitute a parade under the city’s parade ordinance, passed in 2016 after a federal lawsuit was filed against the city.

“We can’t have 20 different people just deciding to block the main street,” said St. Martinville District 2 Councilman Craig Prosper. “We can’t have a free for all.”

According to St. Martinville Chief of Police Ricky Martin, no citations have been issued in the incident.

“The parade was a small train being ridden down Main Street and a few other streets throughout the city,” Martin said. “The train was occupied by small children and adults. There were also kids and adults riding bicycles near the train.”

The city passed its current parade ordinance in 2016 after representatives of the Newcomers Club filed a federal lawsuit when the group’s parade permit was rescinded. That move was based on a report from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Police that determined the city would need $200,000 for 2,300 feet of barricades and two police officers every 8 feet.

Although the lawsuit never made it to court, part of Judge Rebecca Doherty’s recommendation involved creating a new ordinance to govern parades.

The ordinance requires that any parade or procession receive a permit at least 60 days in advance and be approved by the city council.

“To my knowledge, no permit was issued by the city council for this activity,” Martin said. “No police escort was present. I was informed of the parade later in the day from a concerned citizen.”

Prosper said he was concerned because of the blockage of traffic and the safety issues that arose as people weaved back and forth in the street accompanying the train.

“It’s a public safety issue,” Prosper said.

Initially, Prosper and District 1 Councilman Mike Fuselier said Mayor Melinda Mitchell was involved in the parade.

“She is saying she had nothing to do with the train,” Martin said. “I was told she was riding a bicycle next to the train.”

Multiple calls to Mitchell for comment were not returned before deadline.