Jefferson, LA – President Michael Yenni and Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken would like to thank all of the Jefferson Parish employees, the Jefferson Parish Visitors Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Clearview Center, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Fire Department and all of the residents of Jefferson Parish for making Mardi Gras 2019 a memorable event.

Mardi Gras came with many changes in Jefferson Parish this year including a new westbound route, pre-parade entertainment, a new location for Family Gras and a new Krewe.

“We had such an amazing ride on our NEW route. The crowds were wonderful, the residents of Bonnabel were engaged in our lineup and pre-parade preparations, and Family Gras was a smashing success,” said Missy Hildreth, Captain for the Krewe of Excalibur. “Riders noted that they got chills as they entered into Family Gras and everyone had a wonderful experience this year.”

“Riders really enjoyed the new route including the bus ride over and the ability to see the parade setting up on Bonnabel. Over all, it was a success in our book,” said Norman Bourgeois, Captain for the Krewe of Centurions. “Safely unloading at the Clearview Center was also a plus as it was very easy for riders to disembark in a safe, well lit location with minimal traffic.”

Family Gras relocated to the Clearview Center this year allowing for Krewes riding in Excalibur, Caesar and Kings to ride through the event giving festivalgoers the opportunity to catch both the parade and the concerts.

“By all measures Family Gras was a smashing success.  The audience for Bret Eldridge and the brand new Krewe of Kings on Sunday was at near capacity.  Visitors from many states including Florida, Texas, Michigan and New York were welcomed to Family Gras' new home of Clearview Center,” said Violet Peters, President and CEO of the Jefferson Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are especially thrilled with the rave reviews we received from captains and krewe members of the parades that rode through the Family Gras concert grounds.”

The addition of the “Throw Em’ Back” float by Arc of Greater New Orleans was also a big win for Jefferson Parish Mardi Gras. In one short week, the organization has already collected 2,346 pounds from its locations around the parish. 

“Mardi Gras in Jefferson Parish was alive as ever this year and the changes we made have been well received by the Krewes, their riders and the revelers,” said President Michael Yenni. “None of this could have been accomplished without the hard work of our Citizens Affairs team and the first responders with the Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Department and the Jefferson Parish Fire Department who worked tirelessly to ensure we had a safe Mardi Gras.”