2008 Grand Marshals Elwood and Claudette Lacour
 

The Erath 4th of July Association is proud to announce the selection of Elwood and Claudette Lacour as the Grand Marshals of the 62nd Annual Erath 4th of July Celebration. The Lacours are long time residents of Erath who have been very involved in the civic organizations of the community for many years.

In 1973, Elwood and Claudette moved their family to Erath when they purchased the Family Drugs Pharmacy. They moved here knowing only one person, Rickey Suire Domingues, who was a college friend of Claudette. They were soon “adopted” by Lee and Vella Mae Bernard, who introduced the couple to the community. They became members of Our Lady of Lourdes Church Parish, where Claudette continues to serve as a Lector. Claudette also joined Les Travailleuses.

Les Travailleuses was a women’s organization in Erath that worked on different civic projects in the community. The organization was in charge of the Erath 4th of July Celebration from 1972-1975. Elwood and Claudette fell in love with Erath’s 4th of July Celebration. In 1976, the Erath 4th of July Association was formed, and the Lacours continued their involvement with the celebration. They have both served as President of the Erath 4th of July Association. Claudette became President in 1986 as plans for the construction of the Erath Community Building were being finalized. The construction of the building was a long time dream for the members of the 4th of July Association, who envisioned a building where receptions, meetings, and parties could be held in the beautiful Erath City Park. Elwood served as Vice President for several years, and became President in 1996 and served for eight years a President. As president, he oversaw the construction of the tennis courts in the park. Claudette has served as secretary, vice president, president, and has been serving as treasurer for eight years. For many years, Claudette was the Master of Ceremonies for the Queens Pageants. The couple both worked on the Fireworks Crew, whose job was to stage the giant fireworks display on July 4th, from the year of 1976 to 2002.

Elwood and Claudette are also members of the Erath Backers Club. They will be most remembered for putting on the various theme dances for the club such as “Back to the 50’s” and “Mash.” They are active members of the 12 and Go Social Club of Erath; and Claudette has been a member of Les Demitasse Club of Erath since 1976. Claudette has been a member of the Catholic Daughters since 1975, and Elwood is a past member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 3872.

Claudette made history in 1990 when she became the first woman to run for Erath City Council. She garnered the most votes out of all the candidates, and was elected as Mayor Pro Tem by her fellow councilmen. She served as councilwoman for 12 years.

Earlier this year, the couple decided to retire after over 35 years in business. They sold Savins Drugs to Troy and Genee Guilbeaux, and are enjoying their retirement, spending time with their four grandchildren.
Elwood and Claudette are the parents of three children, Aimee Lacour Stevenson and her husband, Bill; Christy Lacour Deshotel, and her husband Sonny; and Charlie Lacour. They are also the grandparents of four: Alaina, Caylee, Austin, and Garrett.