The Benton Rotary Club is pleased to announce Henry Burns as the Grand
Marshal of the 37th Annual Benton Rotary Club Christmas Parade, set for Saturday,
December 5, 2026, in downtown Benton. We invite clubs, businesses, horse clubs, non-profits
and more to register and participate. The registration form can be found at
www.bentonchristmasonthesquare.com.
This year’s parade theme, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” is especially fitting for Burns, who
became affectionately known throughout Bossier Parish as the “Cookie Man” during his years
as the owner of The Wooden Spoon bakery.
Burns founded and operated The Wooden Spoon, becoming a familiar face to families
throughout the area and building a successful local small business. His connection to the bakery
makes this year’s whimsical cookie-themed parade a fun and personal way to honor him as
Grand Marshal.
Burns has been a member of the Benton Rotary Club since 2016 , and his selection reflects
his longstanding commitment to community service and civic involvement.
A Life of Service and Community Involvement
Burns earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Upper Elementary Education from
Northwestern State University in 1973. While a student at Northwestern, he was selected as
Mr. NSU. He has continued his relationship with his alma mater as a member of the NSU
Foundation Board of Directors.
A U.S. Army veteran, Burns was appointed to serve on the board of the Louisiana War
Veterans Museum. He also served as the last chair of the Northwest Louisiana Delegation
for the funding and feasibility committee for the I-49 corridor, helping work toward
completion of a project that eventually became a reality.
Burns’ career and community involvement have taken him from education and military service to
the oil field, small business and public service. He served 15 years on the Bossier Parish
School Board and spent 22 years as the owner of The Wooden Spoon.
In 2016, Burns joined the BOM Bank family as Business Development Consultant for
Bossier and Caddo Parishes. While working with BOM Bank, he was heavily involved in the
community through his participation in civic clubs, organizations, committees and boards.
Burns also served District 9 in the Louisiana State House of Representatives.
“It was a privilege to have served District 9 in the Louisiana State House of Representatives,”
Burns said.
From the classroom to the military, from small business ownership to public service, Burns has
spent decades involved in the communities of Northwest Louisiana. He has worked alongside
educators, military families, business owners and civic organizations and continues to devote
his time to community organizations throughout the region.
The Benton Rotary Club is honored to recognize Burns and celebrate his many years of service
by naming him the Grand Marshal of the 37th Annual Christmas Parade.
Come Early for the Christmas Festival!
The Christmas celebration begins before the parade!
Families are encouraged to come early to School Board Square in Benton and enjoy the
Benton Christmas Festival, featuring lots of vendors, entertainment, food and Christmas
shopping. The Rotary Club will be accepting non-perishable food items, paper products and
toiletry items to disperse through their grant project.
Then at 3:00 p.m., the 37th Annual Benton Rotary Club Christmas Parade will roll, bringing
floats, marching groups, music, holiday characters and plenty of Christmas cheer to the streets
of Benton.
And leading the celebration will be this year’s very special Grand Marshal — the Cookie Man
himself, Henry Burns!
37th Annual Benton Rotary Club Christmas Parade
Grand Marshal: Henry Burns
Theme: “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Location: School Board Square — Benton, Louisiana
Parade Rolls: 3:00 p.m.
Come early! Shop. Eat. Enjoy the entertainment. Then find your spot along the parade
route and celebrate Christmas with the Benton Rotary Club!
The Benton Rotary Club invites everyone to bring the family and join us for a sweet
celebration of Christmas, community and the Cookie Man himself!