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Congratulations to everyone’s Uncle Larry Roussel who has been selected to ride on the Louisiana float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on New Year’s Day. What an honor for St. James Parish’s favorite cook. Uncle Larry has a big heart, a big pot, and all the ingredients needed to win a spot along with other state personalities who will ride the streets of California. The parade theme this year is “The Magic of Teamwork” and the float design features a Louisiana shrimp boat, paying homage to the state’s incredible seafood. According to Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, the float is titled, “Gulf to Gumbo.” What better person to have on the float than Larry Roussel of Hester, owner of Uncle Larry’s Food & Spice Company, whose seafood gumbo mix in a jar helps everyone to make delicious gumbo. Other float riders include Daniel Edgar, owner of St. Mary Seafood and Marina, and the History Channel’s “Swamp People” star; Lance Nacio, owner of Anna Marie Shrimp of Montegut; Sarah Stant, 50th anniversary Amite Oyster Queen; Presley Clare Womack, Miss Gonzales Jambalaya Queen; Nealy Frentz, musician, chef and co-owner of Claiborne Hill Veterinary Hospital; Mike Strain, state Commissioner of Agriculture; Susan Strain, veterinarian and coowner of Claiborne Hill Veterinary Hospital; Emily Hinrichs, Very Special Miss Louisiana 2025 Ambassador; and Donald Chube, Jr., Director of Partnerships and Special Projects at the Louisiana Office of Tourism. The parade rolls at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 1. We know that Uncle Larry will well represent St. James Parish and the State of Louisiana. What a well-deserved honor.