The Town of Benton invites the public to a day of festive
celebration and patriotic pride at the 36th Annual Benton Rotary Club Christmas Parade
and the 26th Annual Benton Christmas on the Square Festival, which will be held on
Saturday, December 6, 2025. In addition to the festival activities, the day will begin with a
5K race before the festival that morning. See the website for details.
The festival will be held in Rain or Shine in Heritage Village Square from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m., featuring local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, children’s activities, holiday
shopping, and a FREE visit with Santa while at the festival! At 3:00 p.m., the Christmas
Parade will roll through downtown Benton. Admission is free, and free parking and shuttle
service will be available at the Bossier Parish Courthouse on Burt Blvd from 9:30 a.m. to
5:30 p.m.
The Parade Grand Marshal is Benton Fire Chief J. T. Wallace Jr., who has dedicated 51 years
of service to Bossier Parish. He retired as the Fire Chief of the Bossier City Fire Department
in 1999 and has since served as the Fire Chief of Benton Fire District #4. Chief Wallace
stands as a beacon of knowledge and leadership for the Benton Fire Department.
This year’s parade theme commemorates the 250th birthday of the United States of
America and those who have given to our community and this country. The Benton Rotary Club encourages participants to showcase their American spirit with red, white, and blue- themed entries or entries to honor our American history, with entries showcasing historical events. All are welcome to have a family-friendly entry in the parade.
Parade participation is open to a wide variety of family-friendly groups, including:
- Clowns and entertainers
- Local businesses and civic organizations
- Motorcycle groups and car clubs
- School groups, Scouting troops, and Trail Life USA
- Churches and Assisted Living communities
- Political candidates
-Horse riding clubs - Individuals
The Benton Rotary Club is dedicating this year’s parade to Carrol Wayne Gates, a Benton
Rotary Club founding member who passed away in January. Wayne served his community
with pride. He was with the Shreveport Fire Department for 33 years, from 1962 until his
retirement. He then served as interim Fire Chief for Benton Fire District 4 and he was a
volunteer Bossier Parish Sheriff Patrol Reserve Deputy for over 20 years.
The parade entry fee is $25, and all proceeds will benefit a scholarship awarded to a high
school senior who resides in Benton, Louisiana, regardless of which school they attend.
This initiative reflects the Rotary Club’s ongoing commitment to give back to the
community.
For parade registration, contact Jill Lucero at 318-230-6956.
For festival and vendor information, contact Hope Murphy at the Town of Benton Town Hall
at 318-965-2781.
You can also visit bentonchristmasonthesquare.com for updates and to contact the Town
of Benton directly.
Join us for a day of celebration, community, and holiday cheer – and help make this year’s
event a star-spangled success in Benton, Louisiana!