Categories: CommunityCulinaryEvents/What's HappeningFestivalsNews

Shreveport to Represent at the 2025 Rose Parade

The vibrant float showcasing Louisiana culture at the 2025 Rose Parade.

News Summary

Shreveport, Louisiana, is set to shine at the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade, featuring Chef Damien Chapman from Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café. Celebrating over a century of culinary excellence, the café will showcase the region’s flavors with its acclaimed dishes. The float, themed ‘Louisiana Saturday Night,’ promises to highlight the vibrant culture and heritage of the area. This exciting event will not only feature delicious cuisines but also emerging local talents, creating a unique representation of Shreveport’s spirit.

Shreveport Gets Exciting Representation in the 2025 Rose Parade

The charming city of Shreveport, Louisiana, is set to grab the spotlight at the upcoming 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade, thanks to its very own culinary maestro, Chef Damien “Chapeaux” Chapman! As the esteemed owner of the historic Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café, Chef Chapman has been chosen to showcase the rich flavors and culture of this unique region. This phenomenal parade will take place on January 1, 2025, in Pasadena, California, and promises to be a feast for both the eyes and the spirit!

Chef Chapman’s Culinary Legacy

The beloved Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café, a true gem in Shreveport’s dining scene, has been delighting locals and visitors alike for over a century. Founded in 1921 by Chef Chapman’s great-great-great uncles, the café holds the title of one of the oldest continuously operating Black-owned businesses in the United States. Renowned for its mouthwatering Creole and Southern dishes, one standout dish on the menu is the celebrated Shreveport-style stuffed shrimp. This culinary delight has become a must-try for anyone visiting the area, making it a focal point for both good food and good times.

Chef Chapman’s family history is interwoven with Shreveport’s community, as the café has served as a cornerstone for civil rights discussions, even hosting gatherings led by figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Chef Chapman, a proud Southern University alumnus, embraces this important legacy, ensuring the café remains a vital part of Shreveport’s Black community.

Representing Louisiana with Pride

Selected by the Louisiana Office of Tourism, Chef Chapman will be the face of Shreveport at the Rose Parade. This year’s float is themed “Louisiana Saturday Night,” celebrating the vibrant style, flavor, and soul of the Shreveport-Bossier area. The float will feature an intriguing design that includes an alligator showcasing a Cajun dance hall, along with pots of scrumptious boiled seafood—perfectly capturing the hospitable spirit of Louisiana’s culinary tradition.

Overall, Chef Chapman embodies the commitment to community and culture that the float aims to highlight. His dedication to the legacy of Orlandeaux’s and its significant role in local heritage truly makes him a fitting ambassador for the region.

Exciting Features on the Float

But that’s not all! The float will not only tantalize onlookers with its colorful designs, but will also feature lively entertainment from emerging stars. One highlighted performer is Timothy Wayne, a rising country star and LSU student, who is sure to get the crowd moving with his energetic tunes.

Louisiana’s participation in the Rose Parade has brought home accolades like the Wrigley Legacy Award in 2022 and the Showmanship Award in 2024, affirming the state’s unique charm and inviting atmosphere. This year promises to continue that trend with Chef Chapman at the helm.

Broadening the Audience

The Rose Parade will be broadcast live at 10 a.m. Central on platforms such as ABC and NBC, as well as available for online streaming. It’s a splendid opportunity for a wider audience to dive deep into the heart of Shreveport culture and the culinary delights that make it unique!

The contribution of Chef Chapman and Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café to this fantastic event ensures that Shreveport’s spirit will resonate far and wide. As the excitement builds, both residents and visitors await to cheer on their beloved city and savor the essence and history that is ever-present in every bite served at this extraordinary café.

In a nutshell, mark your calendars! The Shreveport vibe is heading to the Rose Parade, and it’s going to be nothing short of spectacular! Get ready to celebrate the culture, cuisine, and community spirit of Louisiana like never before!