There’s a new king and queen in town — a sure sign the Downtown Business Association has chosen new royalty for the 32nd annual Christmas Parade in New Iberia.

Local artist and downtown gallery owner Paul Schexnayder is this year’s King Christmas.

“Like Mel Brooks says, ‘It’s good to be king,’ ” Schexnayder said. “I’m very honored they chose me. It’s a great thing to be a part of this tradition.”

Paul Schexnayder, right, and Fran Thibodeaux, second from right, will be king and queen for the 32nd Christmas Parade. Mike Tarantino, left, will be the grand marshal and a special honoree will be Stephanie Judice. Advertisement

Iberia Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Fran Thibodeaux has been chosen as this year’s Queen Christmas for her work in bringing a new logo to town, “Too hot to pass up,” and her overall contributions to promoting Main Street and Iberia Parish.

“The New Iberia Christmas Parade is a long-standing event,” Thibodeaux said. “I remember bringing my children when they were young. I hope to be able to bring my grandchildren. The downtown merchants and the public have supported the event over the years. That’s a lot of time and effort. I’m just honored to have been selected.”

Iberia Industrial Development Foundation Executive Director Mike Tarantino will serve as the parade’s grand marshal.

Tarantino was chosen for his enthusiasm of “Shopping Iberia First” and his work in spreading the word about businesses and quality-of-life in Iberia Parish.

“It’s quite an honor to be chosen to serve as grand marshal for a parade that honors such an important part of our business community,” Tarantino said. “I urge everyone to come out and help us celebrate the holiday season and remember to shop Iberia first.”

The parade’s special honoree this year is Iberia Parish English and fine arts teacher Stephanie Judice — the recent recipient of the Milken Educator Award and a $25,000 surprise check presented to her by state Department of Education Superintendent Paul Pastorek. The national award is given to a few teachers each year for their excellence in practice their profession and their ability to motivate and impact students, among other criteria. Only 50 teachers across the U.S. receive the award.

“This is not something I would ever expect to happen to a teacher,” Judice said of the parade honor. “I just think this whole thing of being recognized for being a teacher is really outstanding and amazing. We bring our kids every year; we’re always on the sidelines. New Iberia is our home now, so this is a great honor.”

The festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 30 with a lighting ceremony by New Iberia Mayor Hilda Curry at the steps of City Hall, accompanied by the Westgate Senior High School Band.

The parade will start at 6 p.m., featuring floats, bands, dance teams, visiting queens, New Iberia fire trucks and more.

The parade route is from Prairie Avenue to Railroad Avenue.