Louisiana
Louisiana is heading back to the Rose Parade, with return of its ‘Explore’ float
A bit of Louisiana’s culture is making its way back to Pasadena this Jan 1.
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses has announced the Rose Parade’s mid-parade musical performance presented by Explore Louisiana.
The 2025 float will showcase the state’s heritage, including rising country artist Timothy Wayne, performing “Louisiana Saturday Night.”
Wayne spent the summer touring with his uncle, Louisiana native Tim McGraw and Carley Pearce on the Standing Room Only Tour.
He signed with the record company UMG Nashville earlier this year and has been working on his first studio project before returning to Louisiana State University for his junior year of college.
The Mid-Parade Performance will bring the music that defines Louisiana’s rich musical heritage. This will be the fourth year that Louisiana’s official travel authority has presented the musical showcase.
Louisiana’s past floats have been celebrated for their creativity and artistry, and this year is set to be no different, with the 136th Rose Parade’s theme, “Best Day Ever!”
The 2025 float features a Louisiana alligator adorned with beads, carrying a Cajun dance hall and pots of boiled seafood on its back. The float vividly brings Louisiana’s culture to life, emphasizing good music, good food and good friends.
Last year, Explore Louisiana welcomed James Burton, Sean Ardoin and Amanda Shaw to perform, with the theme of the parade, “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.”
Stay tuned for news to come on the other acts.
Originally Published:
Louisiana
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
A motorcyclist is recovering after a West Monroe crash involving an 18-wheeler, while Chevron won a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling shifting a major coastal lawsuit back to lower courts. Ouachita deputies arrested a suspect and recovered more than a dozen guns, Mississippi passed a new school social-media safety requirement, and Louisiana’s House advanced a unanimous state budget. A new recovery center opened, and multiple weekend events are underway across northeast Louisiana, plus national updates include stock-market stress guidance, a Ford F-150 recall, Spirit Airlines uncertainty, and tax-refund tips.
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