other threads about bonfires:

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=75201#1317838--newfoundland

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=68151#1144437--birthdayfires

Louisiana...impressive to see piles of wood even before they are lit:]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQXIDlLD77g

http://www.louisianafolklife.org/LT/Articles_Essays/main_misc_bonfires_levee.html

http://www.louisianatravel.com/christmas-eve-bonfires-along-levee

http://louisiana-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/christmas_eve_bonfires

http://louisiana-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/christmas_eve_bonfires