NATCHITOCHES, LA — October 21, 2025 — The Natchitoches Christmas Festival Committee is proud to announce that Vickie Johnson, a recent Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductee, former WNBA All-Star, and respected professional coach, will serve as Grand Marshal of the 99th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in historic downtown Natchitoches.
A native of nearby Coushatta, where she was one of the country’s most sought-after high school girls’ basketball recruits, Johnson has built a remarkable resume as a player and a coach. Following a standout collegiate career at Louisiana Tech University, where she twice earned All-American honors and led the Lady Techsters to the 1994 NCAA national championship game, Johnson went on to become one of the most accomplished players in WNBA history.
Johnson’s continuing involvement with professional basketball spans more than 40 years as a player and later as a coach in the WNBA, in addition to playing 15 seasons overseas in France, Israel, Italy, Hungary, and Turkey.
Her professional career began when she was drafted 12th overall by the New York Liberty in the inaugural WNBA Elite Draft in 1997, making her one of the original 32 players to compete in the WNBA and marking the beginning of a 13-year playing career. During her tenure, she earned two WNBA All-Star selections (1999 and 2001) and received the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award in 2008. Johnson became the first Liberty player to reach 2,000 career points and later concluded her playing career with the San Antonio Silver Stars, where she played her final four seasons.
Her impact on the game extended well beyond her playing days. Johnson has served as a coach and mentor at the highest levels of the sport, including leadership roles with the San Antonio Stars, Las Vegas Aces, Dallas Wings, and the Atlanta Dream.
In recognition of her achievements, Johnson was inducted this summer into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, located in downtown Natchitoches, a fitting connection as she returns to the community to lead this year’s parade.
“I am honored to serve as Grand Marshal of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade,” said Johnson. “Louisiana has always been home for me, and to celebrate this incredible tradition in such a historic and welcoming community is truly special.”
“We are honored to welcome Vickie Johnson as our Grand Marshal,” said Sandra Dickens, HDBA President. “Her leadership, excellence, and Louisiana pride perfectly reflect the spirit of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival and our celebration of homegrown achievement.”
As Grand Marshal, Johnson will lead the Festival of Lights Parade, greeting thousands of visitors gathered along the historic Natchitoches riverbank. She will also participate in special events throughout the weekend as part of the city’s beloved holiday tradition.
About the Natchitoches Christmas Festival
Established in 1927, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival is one of the oldest and most celebrated holiday festivals in the nation. Each year, the festival draws tens of thousands of visitors to Louisiana’s oldest city to enjoy the parade, live entertainment, fireworks, and more than 300,000 twinkling lights along the Cane River.
About Vickie Johnson
- Born April 15, 1972, in Coushatta, Louisiana
- Two-time All-American at Louisiana Tech University; Sun Belt Player of the Year (1995)
- Two-time WNBA All-Star and first New York Liberty player to score 3,000 career points
- Former head coach of the Dallas Wings; current assistant coach for the Atlanta Dream
- 2025 Inductee, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
Parade Participation Information
Individuals, organizations, and businesses interested in participating in the 99th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights Parade may register online at www.NatchitochesChristmas.com/parade-entry-form.
The deadline to apply is November 15, 2025.
The Real News Louisiana 
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