Throw Me Something!
February 24, 2020
Shooting during Krewe of Mardi Gras still under investigation
February 24, 2020
Of course, Mardi Gras is mostly about celebrating and passing a good time, led by the Krewes who make it all possible. However, what often gets overlooked are the charitable acts the organizations do throughout the year.
For Houma native Julie Greenburg, Queen Nefertiti I, it’s about the positive impact the holiday brings.
“[Joining the Krewe of Nefertiti] was a chance to become a charter member, join something small and kind of intimate and be a part of something brand new that is very much focused on community,” Greenburg said.
Greenburg was voted to be the first Queen of Nefertiti by the Krewe’s captain and board. Being that she was virtually an outsider as a Houma native, she said that she was both shocked and thrilled that she was chosen.
“It was a privilege and an overall great feeling,” she continued. “And then when it all came together, we had beautiful weather, and I had three of my closest friends on my float as attendees. It couldn’t have gone better.”
When the inaugural Krewe of Nefertiti parade rolled in New Orleans East on Sunday, Feb. 9, it brought the first Carnival parade to that area in nearly 30 years.
Greenburg said they were delighted with the turnout at the family day parade, which traveled through the area’s neighborhoods.
“It was unbelievable how many people were out there,” she said. “It was heartwarming to see that they showed up for us, and they were very thankful that we were there.”
The Krewe of Nefertiti rolled on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, marking the first Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans East in 27 years. (Photo by Studio Colin Photography)
The event was significant for the Krewe members not only because it was the first Mardi Gras parade there since 1992, but also because it was, in a way, the icing on the cake of all of the positive impact they have generated since the organization was established in 2018.
“We love to ride, of course, and we love costuming, but we’re really focused on making an impact based on service,” Greenburg said.
The Krewe has been helping several charitable organizations including, The Ronald McDonald House, The Pink House, Girls on the Run and The Beautiful Foundation. Nefertiti also gathered supplies for the homeless and has a nutritional program to feed children during the summer who rely on school meals.
“Our motto is: ‘We serve before we roll.’ We really are focused on community service and volunteerism. Yeah, we ride, but it’s after we do what we need to do.” Greenburg said. “We’re hoping that it creates a trickle-down effect by promoting other people to give back as well.”
Greenburg has had a busy Mardi Gras season, as she has attended multiple balls and parties and rode in the Krewe of Freret and Houma’s Krewe of Hyacinthians, which she has been a member of for just over 10 years.
“It’s been a lot,” she laughed. “But it’s been a great time. I have enjoyed it.”
Now she just gets to sit back and enjoy the rest of the holiday from along the parade routes, while also maybe trying to stack up on some throws for the 2021 Mardi Gras season.
“Since Houma riders have more float space, they ride with tons of throws,” she said. “We treat it like a sport: If you’re in another Krewe, you can come to a Houma parade and catch all the throws you’ll need to ride for the next year.”
