With Mardi Gras less than 2 weeks away, final preparations are being made for Washington Parish’s two parades.
The MCCA parade in Bogalusa will roll on Saturday, February 18, and the Krewe of Pepe Parade will roll in Franklinton on Sunday, February 19. Mardi Gras itself will be on Tuesday, February 21.
Don Spiers, longtime Captain of the Krewe of MCCA, promises a spectacular parade in Bogalusa.
He said, “We will bring 40 authentic tractor-pulled and musically-equipped Carnival floats, carrying approximately 500 costumed revelers, tossing over 1 million pairs of Mardi Gras beads, MCCA Plush Beanie Bears, and thousands of souvenir throw items, to many thousands of parade spectators.”
The theme for the 2023 parade is “It’’s Showtime.”
Spiers noted that the MCCA parade stretches 1.5 miles from start to finish. The parade, which begins at 1 p.m., has been recognized as the third best Mardi Gras parade in Louisiana outside of New Orleans.
He said, “We are placed and discussed as third best following Lafayette and Houma, and ahead of cities including Baton Rouge and Shreveport!”
Spiers added, “Such achievements in a community our size points clearly that there is magic in the organization of the Magic City Carnival Association.”
He said, “ We are excited and proud of our achievements and of the splendid support and encouragement from all over. We truly hope that our community and visitors have a great fun-filled, safe day, and enjoy our spectacle on our Parade Saturday.”
Meanwhile, organizers of the Krewe of Pepe parade in Franklinton have also been busy in their preparations for the 2023 parade.
The Krewe of Pepe parade will roll at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 19.
It starts at the Farmers Market parking lot on Washington Street and will follow the traditional parade route through Franklinton.
The theme this year is “Rolling With My Krewe.”
Parade Marshal for the 2023 Pepe parade is Ky Truong, local Franklinton business owner for 20 years.
Forms for people interested in being in the Pepe parade are available at the Corner Shop. Store owner Michelle Westbrooks Handy will have the forms available..
Both MCCA and Pepe will have their Kings and Queens riding in their respective parades.
MCCA King is Leo Mickenheim Jr, and Queen is Julie Hayden.For the Krewe of Pepe, the King iand Queen are Richard and Asontaye Bickham.
Note: The Era-Leader’s annual Mardi Gras special section will be included in our February 15 edition.
