Pochés grand marshal of Fourth of July parade

ERATH — Wendy and Paul Poché have been named the grand marshals for the 2025 89th Annual 4th of July Celebration. They will preside over the grand parade, which will take place on the streets of Erath at 5 p.m. on July 4th.
.Paul Poche´ of Erath is the son of Leona and Lynn Poché and one of eight siblings.
As a teenager, Paul began volunteering with the Harry Burke Carnival Shows, assisting in setting up booths, tents, and amusement rides.
His love for festivals continued into his college years at USL, where he helped set up the fireworks display.
After earning his degree from USL, Paul began a career in education, teaching industrial arts at various schools in Vermilion Parish, including South Louisiana Community College and Delcambre High School.
After 35 years of service, he retired in 2021.
Today, he manages Vermilion Farms for Rodney Savoy. Throughout his career, Paul’s commitment to public service remained steadfast—he served as a volunteer firefighter with the Erath Fire Department for 10 years and has been the Constable for Ward One for the past 25 years.
Wendy Dore´ Poché is a lifelong resident of Erath. The daughter of Lucille and M.C. Dore´, she is one of six siblings.
After graduating from Erath High School, Wendy began a 45-year career in retail, retiring earlier this year. In retirement, she proudly served as the wedding planner for her daughter Jada’s wedding to Hunter Bertrand.
The Poche´s’ connection to the 4th of July Celebration runs deep. Paul’s mother, Leona LeBlanc Poche´, was honored as Grand Marshal in 2007.
Wendy’s father, Marice “MC” Dore was named Grand Marshal in 2017.
Over the years, Paul has contributed by organizing booths and stages. He set up the fireworks display and built the floats for the Children’s Red Wagon Float Parade. Wendy began her involvement by assisting her mother-in-law, Ms. Leona, with the Tea Party honoring the annual grand marshals.
Each year, Wendy opens her home for the interview portion of the 4th of July Queens Competition. Together, Paul and Wendy are responsible for hosting the Grand Marshal’s Reception.
For over 30 years, the Pochés have actively supported the 4th of July Celebration.
Following in their parents’ footsteps, they exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and community service—values they have passed on to their two children, Brennan and Jada Poché Bertrand. The Erath 4th of July Celebration is proud to name them the 2025 Grand Marshals.
The Erath 4th of July Celebration takes place in the heart of Erath from June 30 through July 4.
The festivities center around the intersection of North Broadway and East and West Edward Streets. The event includes live music, vendor booths, and carnival rides. Unlike many other street fairs, all activities occur directly on the pavement, without surrounding fences or gates, meaning there are no entrance fees.

4th of July Celebration Grand Marshals

1975 - Billy Cannon
1976 - Henry Bernard, Sr.
1977 - Not Available
1978 - Dr. Edward LeBlanc
1979 - Not Available
1980 - J.P. Landry
1981 - Richard Dubois
1982 - Eddie Shiner
1983 - D.L. Menard
1984 - Flo Sonnier
1985 - Leon and Nell Reed
1986 - Bill Comeaux
1987 - Clevie Thibodeaux
1988 - Romona Babineaux
1989 - Les Travailleuses, Catholic Daughters, & Jr. Catholic Daughters 1990 J. Numa Broussard
1991 - 10 Area Veterans who served in Desert Storm; Howard “Duke” Reaux, Kenneth Faulk, Andrew Dozier, William H. Stout, Larry Dozier, Clayton Richard, Timmy Fletcher, Roger Trahan, Ronald Menard, & John “Dob” Toups
1992 - Rudy Lange
1993 - Dot Mergist
1994 - Ethel and Travis Kendrick
1995 - Warren A. Perrin
1996 - Sister Sonnier
1997 - Belva LeBlanc
1998 - Lee Bernard
1999 - Ada Schexnaider
2000 - Lester Champagne
2001 - Inez LeBlanc Vincent
2002 - Kelly Ruth Broussard
2003 - Roland Girouard
2004 - Gertrude Lawes Landry
2005 - Fireworks Crew
2006 - Ed and Rickey Domingues
2007 - Leona Poché
2008 - Elwood and Claudette Lacour
2009 - Weldon Granger
2010 - Henry and Doris Songe
2011 - Mark Mencacci
2012 - George Dupuis
2013 - Stacy Bodin
2014 - Elwood Paul LeBlanc
2015 - Robert B. Vincent
2016 - General Curney J. Dronet
2017 - M.C. Dore
2018 - Fr. Gayle Nunez and Monsignor Charles Dubois 2019 Terry Lancon
2020 - (Covid) No festival
2021 - Natalie and Dennis Mouton
2022 - Irene Champagne
2023 - Ronnie Lahasky
2024 - Jackie and Doug Vincent
2025 - Wendy and Paul Poche

* The following are believed to have been Grand Marshal, but we are unsure what year: Nodily Faul, Dr. Bernard Lahasky