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sk anyone in the Baby Boomer range if they remember the Brown Sugar Parade in New Iberia during the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and Fair week, and they are likely to say, “That was the best parade.” 

The rhythms of the marching bands and the dance teams kept the excitement going until the last float stopped rolling in the mid-1960s.

Organizers Phanat Xanamane and Anthony B. Daniels wanted to revive the tradition of the Brown Sugar Festival, which celebrated the West End community during the 1950s and ’60s. The Brown Sugar Music Festival was held on Sept. 29.  From noon to 9 p.m. music on two stages set up at Field and Robertson streets brought crowds out on historic Hopkins. 

The music lineup, organized by Daniels, featured R&B, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Southern Soul and gospel acts. Between the stages, the crowds could find pony rides for the kids, food vendors, voter registration forms, booths hosted by community organizations, local crafts and art. Da Berry Fresh Market also provided a space where people could shop and socialize. Market manager Carl Cooper Jr. acted as host and NIPD officers, including Chief Todd D’Albor, provided security during the family-friendly event.

The first annual festival was deemed a success by everyone in attendance. Plans are already underway for 2019.

“An elderly gentleman came up to me and said he hasn’t seen this community like this in over 40 years,” Xanamane said.

“It’s a dream come true. After months of communications, negotiations, prayers and trolls, to see the atmosphere out there — and the talent both on and off stage — and the reactions,” Daniels said, wowed by the day. 

“People really enjoyed themselves till the last band, Homegrown Reggae, got off the stage after the sun went down. This is what can be done in New Iberia, and more. I’m glad to be a part of it.” 

  For more about the history of the Brown Sugar Festival, visit Iberianet.com for the story that appeared in the Sept. 17, 2017, issue of The Daily Iberian.