Historic turnout anticipated for Mardi Gras parade in Jeanerette
"Looking for a sizable crowd, probably, historically speaking, probably going to be our largest," Jeanerette Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., said.
IBERIA PARISH, LA (KLFY) -- The Jeanerette Krewe of Ezana parade is this Sunday at 1 p.m. The city is anticipating a historic turnout compared to years past.
"Looking for a sizable crowd, probably, historically speaking, probably going to be our largest," Jeanerette Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr., said.
This year's parade is set to have over 30 floats, flat beds and wagons. The route will start on Main Street, turn on Canal, then take a right on Martin Luther King, another right on Pellerin and finishing back on Main Street. Diamond Williams and Elizabeth Moten are the chairpersons on the parade committee. Williams said the anticipation for a big turnout started on social media and grew when other Acadiana parades failed to meet expectations.
"Just from hearing and seeing how Carencro who played a part and Youngsville changing their rules," she said. "I think those people were disappointed, so they are coming out to Jeanerette to see how we do it."
Jeanerette City Marshal Fernest Martin wants the community to be warned of safety measures law enforcement is taking during the parade. There will be a ban on backpacks and open carrying firearms.
"We're excited. We welcome it. We just want folks to have a good time. Be respectful. If we do those things then everything will go accordingly," Martin said.
The parade will begin at 1 p.m., but surrounding roads will be closed down by 11 a.m. Be sure to make your arrangements to get there early.