TALK ON THE STREET
February 11, 2015
Miles touts 2015 recruiting efforts a success
February 11, 2015
Krewe of Aphrodite
Friday, Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. (Houma)
The all-female Houma Women’s Carnival Club LLC Krewe of Aphrodite is celebrating its 32nd year with 465 members.
Seventeen throwing floats, plus three non-throwing floats, will reflect the exciting theme, “It’s All About the Boot.”
The bands of Morgan City, Franklin and South Terrebonne high schools, Lacache-Montegut Middle School and Evergreen Jr. High get your fingers snapping and your toes tapping. The Houma Shriners, Selucrey Sophisticats and Ka-Jon Grotto.
The 2015 Royal Court is led by Queen Aphrodite XXXII Zinda Leonard.
The club was founded in 1983 – it is Houma’s second oldest club – by women who are united in promoting civic and social activities during the Mardi Gras season. The krewe gives throughout the year to various charities.
The krewe rents its floats from the Krewe of Hercules. Because of this, the two krewes’ themes are coordinated.
The parade begins at Southland Mall, rolls down West Park Avenue to Hollywood Road, takes a right then a left to West Main Street where it proceeds to Barrow Street, takes a right and disbands at Town Hall.
Krewe of Athena
Friday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.
(Golden Meadow)
Established in 2011, the relatively new Krewe of Athena rolls for its fourth year with 230 members. The all female group will ride on 17 floats and shower crowds with beads, stuffed animals, cups and more.
This year’s theme is “Krewe of Athena Travels the World.”
The 2015 Royal Court is led by Queen Peggy Copeland.
The procession travels the traditional Golden Meadow route. It begins at the northern city limits of Golden Meadow and travels south along La. Highway 1 to the southern city limits where it disbands.
Krewe of Apollo
Saturday, Feb. 14, noon (Lockport)
One of Lafourche’s oldest Carnival clubs, the Krewe of Apollo rolls for its 51st year celebrating the theme “Cartoons.” The lineup includes 19 throwing floats, the king and queen’s float, the president and krewe captain’s float and the maids’ float, as well as three marching bands.
Joining the 150 male and female krewe members are several high school and middle school marching bands, dance teams, as well as various festival kings and queens, horse groups and deejays. The Selucrey Sophisticats and Mardi Gras Walking Club are also participating.
The 2015 Royal Court is led by Queen Apollo LI Kathy Loupe.
Krewe of Atlantis
Saturday, Feb. 14, noon (Golden Meadow)
“Holidays” is the theme of the new Krewe of Atlantis’ parade, which rolls through Golden Meadow Valentine’s Day.
The krewe’s approximately 80 members will toss throws from the eight floats, and the Southern Earth Tones will provide the musical accompaniment.
The 2015 royal couple is King Dustin Rivet and Queen Carrie Breaux.
Rivet is the son of Dray and Amanda Rivet, brother of Dray Rivet Jr. and sister of Destiny Rivet. He works at Walmart and, in his spare time, enjoys the outdoors and time spent with family and friends.
Breaux is the wife of Miles Breaux Jr. and mother of 5-year-old Kaycee. An Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital staffer, she enjoys playing with her son, three dogs and the family cat.
The krewe’s ball is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the Cut Off Youth Center.
Jason Bellanger is the parade captain.
Krewe of Mardi Gras
Saturday, Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m.
(Houma)
The Krewe of Mardi Gras will roll for its 21st year, serving as Houma’s only eastside parade.
The krewe’s theme this year is “Come to the Mardi Gras” and 550 members toss a variety of throws – including lots of Valentine bead – from the krewe’s 26 floats.
Marching bands from Ellender, H.L. Bourgeois, St. James and St. Helena high schools, Oaklawn Junior High and Grand Caillou Middle schools are also joining the procession.
The 2015 Royal Court is led by King XXI Glynn “Tattoo” Matherne and Queen XXI Casey Matherne.
The parade captain is S.R LaRussa.
Le Krewe Du Bon Temps
Saturday, Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m.
(Larose)
Formed in 2005 Le Krewe Du Bon Temps celebrates its 10th year with the theme “Love.”
The 200 members toss traditional throws along with special one-of-a-kind surprise throws from 10-illuminated single-, doubleand triple-decker floats. The 2015 Royal Court is led by King Jimmy Vasquez and Queen Angie Vasquez.
Krewe of Cleophas
Sunday, Feb. 15, 12:30 p.m.
(Thibodaux)
The theme for the 2015 parade is “Cleophas Celebrates Things Children Like.” The krewe’s 250 members will ride atop 25 floats.
King Kirk Toups and Queen Joyann Aizen Neal are this year’s royal couple.
Providing the musical flair are Thibodaux High, Assumption High, East Thibodaux Middle and West Thibodaux Middle school marching bands.
Krewe of Chronos
Sunday, Feb. 15, 12:30 p.m.
(Thibodaux)
The Krewe of Chronos, which follows the Krewe of Cleophas parade, is Thibodaux’s oldest parade organization. Rolling for its 61st year, the krewe celebrates with the theme “Isn’t It Romantic.”
This all-male organization of 200 members throws Chronos logo beads, Frisbees, footballs, champagne flutes and cups, as well as traditional throws from its 12 floats. Joining in the fun and providing music are E.D. White, Morgan City and St. James high schools’ marching bands.
The 2015 King & Queen are King Peter George Liechty and Queen Alexandra Sophie Donner.
Krewe of Terreanians
Sunday, Feb. 15, 12:30 p.m.
(Houma)
Now rolling for its 65th year, the 400-plus members pitch a variety of items and specialty beads from its 20 throwing floats.
The marching bands hail from Vandebilt Catholic, Terrebonne High, Evergreen and Houma Junior High.
The 2015 theme is “Terreanians Play Games.”
The krewe holds its tableaux and ball at 7 p.m. the night before their parade.
The 2015 Royal Court is led by King Terre LXV Ricky Pontiff and Queen Terre LXV Lauren Nikole Pontiff.
Krewe of Montegut Children’s Carnival Parade
Sunday, Feb. 15, 2 p.m. (Montegut)
The co-ed Montegut Children’s Carnival Parade was established in 1946 by parents in the Montegut and Pointe-Aux-Chenes area.
“Family Game Night” is this year’s theme.
Now in its 69th year, the 150-plus children riding on 10 floats are accompanied by the Lacache-Montegut Middle School marching band.
The 2015 Royal Court is led by King Tony Landry and Queen Caitlin Pellegrin.
Noah Billiot and Harley Ledet are the krewe’s parade captains.
Krewe of Nereids
Sunday, Feb. 15, 6 p.m.
(Golden Meadow)
The first all-female night parade in Lafourche Parish, the Krewe of Nereids, is rolling for its 31st year.
From their illuminated double-and single-decker floats, the group’s nearly 200 members pitch traditional items, along with signature koozies, cups and other goodies.
This year the krewe sparkles with the theme “Nereids Dazzles the Night.”
Nereids Queen XXXI Kitty Pitre reigns over the parade.
The krewe’s president is Jennifer Cheramie.
The krewe was formed in 1984 and had its first parade in 1985.
Nereids begins at the north end of Golden Meadow and parades along La. Highway 1 to the south end of town.
Krewe of Cleopatra
Monday, Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m.
(Houma)
The Krewe of Cleopatra is Terrebonne Parish’s only Lundi Gras parade.
Founded in 1987, this is the krewe’s 28th anniversary. Cleopatra has more than 600 members, making it Terrebonne’s largest women’s Carnival club.
Members ride on 21 double-decker floats, plus the queen’s float.
The parade features music from Terrebonne, Ellender, St. James, Morgan City, Delcambre and South Terrebonne high schools and Houma Jr. High, as well numerous truck bands, sound systems, marching groups and deejays. The Selucrey Sophisticats also partake in the merriment.
Throws include doubloons, cups, koozies, light-up items and stuffed animals.
Cleopatra’s floats are rented from the Krewe of Caesars in Metairie and the artwork is done by Blaine Kern. Cleopatra takes great pride that when they roll down the streets of Houma their floats are being seen for the first time in the area. This year’s theme is “Cleopatra Dances Thru Broadway.”
Members are issued tunics, which they decorate to match their float theme.
The 2015 Royal Court is Queen Cleopatra XXVIII Jackie Ledet.
The parade begins at Southland Mall, rolls down West Park Avenue to Hollywood Road, takes a right then a left to West Main Street where it proceeds to Barrow Street, takes a right and disbands at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center.
Krewe of Christopher
(Tableau Only)
Monday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m.
(Thibodaux)
The Krewe of Christopher was organized in 1954 and currently has 110 members. The organization does not have a parade and holds only a tableau and ball.
The krewe’s tableau, which is open to the public, is scheduled for the evening before Mardi Gras at the Warren J. Harang Jr. Municipal Auditorium. As per tradition, the 2015 theme and royal court are revealed to the general public on the night of the tableau.
Last year’s theme was “World Tour.”
The 2014 Royal Court were King Christopher Barry Ledet, Queen Gabrielle Marcello, eight dukes, eight maids, six pages and eight ladies in waiting.
The court is revealed several weeks before the tableau at a private function, however, remains secret until the night of the event. Christopher’s royalty and theme are revealed Lundi Gras at the Warren Harang Municipal Auditorium in Thibodaux. An invitation-only ball follows at Nicholls State University in the Bollinger Ballroom.
Krewe of Gheens
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m.
(Gheens)
The laid back Krewe of Gheens allows for anyone to participate in their parade as long as they have “something to pull.”
Each year the members make their own floats, without the restrictions of a particular theme. This year the 13 floats wind through the streets of Gheens with revelers tossing traditional throws, such as beads, cups and more. Deejays supply the music.
The Krewe of Gheens was formed in 1972 as a community project and now has more than 100 members.
The parade begins on Highway 654, rolls to Pecan Street, then up Oak Street and back to Highway 654 where it disbands at Company Canal.
Krewe of Houmas
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m.
(Houma)
The Krewe of Houmas will once again stage a procession that is the highlight of Mardi Gras in Houma.
Founded in 1946, the oldest krewe in Terrebonne Parish will present a 17-float procession along Houma’s traditional westside route. The Mardi Gras Decorators’ designed floats depict the joys of living as Houmas celebrates “Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler.”
Look for nine school bands to vie for the 2015 Best Band award, including the Vandebilt Terrier Regiment. Other invited bands include last year’s Houmas’ Marching Band Competition Grand Champion Scotlandville Magnet, E.D. White, Bogalusa, Friendship Capitol, Southern University Lab, H.L. Bourgeois and East Feliciana high schools and Grand Caillou Middle School. In addition, the parade will see New Orleans’ own Big Fun Brass Band and the return of national recording artist and Houma natives Baby Bee on the Royal Entertainment Float.
The krewe throws emblemed necklaces and doubloons in addition to the coveted Houmas’ medallion bead. The 300 men of Houmas begin their royal ride at 11 a.m. Mardi Gras Day.
Ten-year-old Ben Thaden-Pierce, who has been diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity causing him to go blind, is the krewe’s special guest, joining members at the tableau and parade. Ben’s story has been featured on the “Today Show” and “Rachel Ray,” as well as various news outlets.
The 2015 Royal Court is led by King Houmas LXIX Andre’ Jerome Daigle and Queen Houmas LXIX Kaylie Marie Collins.
The parade begins at Southland Mall, rolls down West Park Avenue to Hollywood Road, takes a right then a left to West Main Street where it proceeds to Barrow Street, takes a right and disbands at Town Hall.
Krewe of Kajuns
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m.
(Houma)
The Krewe of Kajuns, founded by the Houma-Terrebonne Jaycees in 1966, follows the Krewe of Houmas on Fat Tuesday.
This year, the 49-year-old krewe rolls with 360 to 400 members on 16 throwing floats and two independent floats depicting the theme “Kajun Dynasty.”
The Houma Shrine Club and various dance teams also participate in the festivities.
Riders throw limited edition 2015 Wooden Nickels, along with cups, beads, koozies and more.
The 2015 Krewe of Kajuns Queen is Jenna Ford.
The krewe’s parade captain is Mona Premeaux.
Originally known as a truck parade or the “Poor Man’s Parade,” the Krewe of Kajuns allowed local parade lovers to pay a small fee and drive their pick-up trucks in the parade and throw beads.
Kajuns now consists of all double-decker floats rented from the Krewe of Hercules, but will always be lovingly referred to as “The Truck Parade.” Kajuns is still a family-oriented parade open to anyone – men, women and children.
The parade begins at Southland Mall, rolls down West Park Avenue to Hollywood Road, takes a right then a left to West Main Street where it proceeds to Barrow Street, takes a right and ends at Town Hall.
Krewe of Neptune
Tuesday, Feb. 17, noon (Galliano/Golden Meadow)
Celebrating its 49th year, the Krewe of Neptune rolls through Golden Meadow with 12 throwing floats and the Golden Meadow Middle School’s marching band.
This all-male krewe of 120 members was originally formed by F. “Toot” Theriot, Bobby Orgeron, Leonard Miller Jr., and Norman Theriot in 1966.
The first king and queen were Mr. and Mrs. Abdon Callais.
The krewe is mystic so the identity of the king remains secret until parade day. The 2014 king was Chas Cheramie.
Chuckie Cheramie, Corey Galjour and Jimmy Lafont are this year’s parade captains.
The procession begins at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Galliano and travels south along La. Highway 1 to the southern city limits of Golden Meadow where it disbands.
Krewe of Ghana
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 1 p.m.
(Thibodaux)
A parade organization rich in tradition and history, the Krewe of Ghana rolls through Thibodaux for its 43rd year with 20 decorated floats and several riding units.
The co-ed krewe’s parade theme for the 2015 Carnival season is “A Day of Love with the Krewe of Ghana.”
Along with second liners,
A parade lover flails for beads during a parade this past weekend in Houma. The Mardi Gras season is in full swing throughout the Houma-Thibodaux area, and this week will feature a slew of parades in both parishes leading up to Fat Tuesday.
