Nicholls State University - La Pirogue Yearbook (Thibodaux, LA)

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'www , -1' QQ, AZV .kAV,. f rv, , . ,wie- kj! j, 5 Jag. vi x N 1? , K .-M, X' 7 , fp.. , V'I v 41 L ' -.g ,.s ' .o , P5 Mardi Gras Mambo , ..v,- ' . ,Z'Ja l' f ing., T the celebration is observed mainly by local residents, tourists preferring to attend major parades in New Orleans. In recent years, the city where Mardi Gras had its start has dissuaded the street people from coming to the Crescent City. These are the visitors with little or no money, with no place to stay, usually camping in parks and the streets. Crackdowns by police by putting vagrants in jail until after Fat Tuesday, have begun to eliminate this problem. Tourists wearing jeans, but usually quieter by nature have begun to dominate the scene. Figures published by the Times-Picayune in New Orleans show only 144 arrests for drunkenness C208 in 19755, 52 for loitering and 3 for sleeping in parks. Some went to excesses, as one carnival CelebratOr lies down on the sidewalk to sleep, Police did not allow people to sleep or camp out in parks. One family for the birds, the Elks Truck Parade offers the chance for the average person to deco- rate a truck and join in the merriment of a family hol- iday, Part of any parade are the maids who ride on floats with the queen. One maid, dressed as an indian, waves from her position in a New Orleans night parade. Narcotics accounted for 253 arrests in the city. With the arrival of Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, carnival madness invades the streets in what has been called the biggest free show on earth. lf perched on any street corner, a person who hasn't toasted the day too much could see countless types of exhibitionism, family costuming and apparel. The most-attended parade each year is the Krewe of Rex, regarded as the king of all krewes. As visitors paraded down Canal Street through the heart of the city, thousands packed themselves behind barricades for a chance at a plastic necklace or a coveted doubloon commemorating the krewe. The carnival season ends with the Tuesday night l l l i

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The heat and distance of miles of pavement makes any refreshment acceptable. One precision dancer took a break with a leather bag during a lull in her marching, with masks and regal costumes, often plan a parade and ball. The ball, especially to the stately krewes of New Orleans, is the most lavish and formal affair. While the Thibodaux krewes are smaller and more informal, it is still considered an honor to be named the king or queen. The oldest local group is the Krewe of Christo- pher, tounded in 1952, Formed by local business- men, prospective members are usually Knights of Columbus. The father of Dr. Philip Bergeron, head of the men's health and p.e. department, was the first cap- tain ofthe krewe. Captain for the 1976 krewe was Clem Paynal Jr. The captain is responsible for the organization of the krewe, planning its theme, ball and parade. The Krewe of Chronos followed two years later, founded by Frank Lusco. With Larry Babin as its captain, the krewe is regarded as having the biggest and most prestigious parade, To offset high dues and the wealth associated with some krewes, a Hpoor mans parade was formed. the Krewe of Cleophas. With 35 dues back in 1956 the krewe lasted three years before folding, Beactivated seven years ago, with S10 dues, they boast a membership of 375 with a waiting list of 100. Captain Lionel Ledet reported husbands and wives were divided into teams to design their floats, Krewes usually recognize community leaders for their contributions by their selection as king. In 1969, President Vernon Galliano was named King of the Krewe ot Christopher. Believing women should play an active part, his wife, Jo Oalliano, formed the women's Krewe of Thalia in 1971 and serves as captain to 100 members. President Galliano was honored again, by being king ofthe 1976 Krewe of Thalia. With Jo Oalliano's help, Mrs. Shirley Coleman and other Thibodaux citizens formed the Krewe of Ghana in 1972 for members of the black community. In the Thibodaux area, as other smaller parades, fa. 'I -+ Bock star Alice Cooper gets a tip on throwing doub- loons as the King of the Endymion parade, Entertainers have been invited to lead parades in New Orleans, notably that of the Krewe of Bacchaus With one participant dressed up with a decorated dome, New Orleans' Bourbon Street was the showcase of the best and strangest in costumes Officials urged people to dress up for Mardi Gras Q Mardi Gras Mambo 27

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.f ,- ftiltmrmniw me sorrmeiimim g tMli1ciieaO 9 Topped with a crown, the Louisiana crawfish was a Parish, The parade is typical ot those in smaller towns in the state Th lb0d3llX Clt D3.I'3dB S 'N ands 'HS' Z .XV Z f I ,X a' If ,, tr-V parade of the Krewe of Comus marching to Refs Ball and the meeting of the two courts, a ceremony always captured on television. Comus, being the oldest krewe known, dating back 103 years, receives the respect ot all other krewes. With the arrival ot Wednesday morning, the cos- tumes and memories are put away, revelers nurse their excesses and students prepare to return to classes on Thursday. As the rock musician Dr. John, the Night Tripper phrased it, there aint nothin' like a Mardi Gras Mambo. Each president was given a tloat by one New Orle- ans night parade Many krewes pick one theme each year and construct floats as part ot it Mardi Gras Mambo 29