Coushatta will be proudly represented on one of Louisiana’s biggest holiday stages this year. Vickie Johnson — born and raised in Coushatta and now a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame — has been selected to serve as Grand Marshal of the 99th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

For many in Red River Parish, Johnson is more than a headline name — she is a hometown hero whose career began on local courts before gaining national recognition. After becoming one of the nation’s most recruited high school players, she starred at Louisiana Tech, where she led the Lady Techsters to the 1994 national championship game and earned back-to-back All-American honors.

In 1997, Johnson made history as one of the original players in the WNBA, drafted 12th overall by the New York Liberty. Over a 13-year professional playing career, she became a two-time WNBA All-Star, the first Liberty player to pass 2,000 points, and a respected leader in the league before transitioning to coaching. She has since held coaching roles with multiple WNBA teams and continues to serve in professional basketball today.

Her Hall of Fame induction this summer — just a short drive from home in downtown Natchitoches — makes her return as Grand Marshal especially meaningful.

“I am honored to serve as Grand Marshal of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade,” Johnson said. “Louisiana has always been home for me, and to celebrate this incredible tradition so close to where I grew up is truly special.”

Festival organizers say Johnson embodies the spirit of hard work, achievement, and Louisiana pride.

“We are thrilled to welcome Vickie Johnson as Grand Marshal,” said Sandra Dickens, HDBA President. “Her journey from Coushatta to the national stage reflects exactly what we celebrate — homegrown excellence and lasting impact.”

As Grand Marshal, Johnson will lead the Festival of Lights Parade through historic downtown Natchitoches, greeting thousands of spectators lining the riverbank. She will also appear at additional festival events throughout the weekend.

For Coushatta residents, this year’s parade offers not only a festive tradition, but a chance to see one of  our own lead the way.

Parade Details
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Historic Downtown Natchitoches, LA