Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken, President Michael S. Yenni, Council Chairwoman and President Elect Lee Sheng, and the Department of Citizens’ Affairs announce exciting new reasons to line the parade route and enjoy Metairie Mardi Gras!
For the second year in a row, a new krewe is bringing new energy and pageantry to the streets of Metairie. The Magical Krewe of MadHatters promises whimsy, innovation, and celebrity in its inaugural parade. With an Alice in Wonderland theme, MadHatter Bobby Hebert will reign alongside Amanda Shaw as Alice in this impressive 26-float addition to Carnival.
In the spirit of everything old is new again, the Krewe of Atlas returns to the route for the first time in 5 years and the Krewe of Centurions makes a historic move to parade in the prime time Saturday night spot on Family Gras weekend. All three parades, Centurions (Saturday, February 15th), MadHatters (Saturday, February 15th), and Atlas (Sunday, February 16th), will pack into the growing Family Gras weekend parade line-up with the Krewe of Excalibur (Friday, February 14th) and the Krewe of Kings (Sunday, February 16th).
See the full parade schedule here!
Due to an overwhelmingly positive response, all krewes (except for Mardi Gras Day) have chosen to parade this year on the new westbound route, beginning in the Bonnabel neighborhood at Feronia Street and culminating at Clearview Center. Parade-goers on Bonnabel Blvd. will be entertained at Carnival Kick-Off with face-painting, balloon art, clowning, and more. And all Family Gras weekend parades will roll directly into the Family Gras festival grounds at Clearview Center with musical performances before and after.
Finally, Mardi Gras Moola is a new throw that gives parade-goers an added incentive to make that catch! This unique wooden doubloon carries discounts and special offers at participating local businesses. All promotions will be valid through April 1st, allowing the good times to roll into the post-Carnival season. Any business interested in participating may do so for free by visiting: www.MardiGrasMoola.com.
“We’re thrilled to continue to build upon the success of Metairie Mardi Gras with new krewes and new parades joining Family Gras weekend,” said Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken. “Plus, our new Mardi Gras Moola discount doubloon brings parade-goers to our streets and then into our stores. It’s a win-win-win for krewes, neighbors, and businesses. We welcome everyone to join in the fun!”
Anyone planning to attend Mardi Gras events in Jefferson Parish may sign up to receive parade updates via text messaging. By texting, “JPMARDIGRAS” to 888777, people will receive updates and alerts regarding parade routes, weather, entertainment, and more. (Standard message rates apply)
For more information about Metairie Mardi Gras, contact Citizens Affairs at 504-736-6101. For more information about Family Gras, please visit: www.FamilyGras.com. For more information about Mardi Gras Moola, please visit: www.MardiGrasMoola.com.
