As the streets were in awe from brightly colored beads flying from the decorated floats, families gathered smiling and cheering on the annual celebration. What was once a small town activity in Cloutierville, La., has now turned into a display of Mardi Gras spirit.
The annual parade was initially created to be a one-time project back in 2006, marking this year as the 20th celebration, according to Rhonda Sanders, the parade’s founder.
“My two grandsons were in the Cub Scouts, and they needed something to do in the community,” Sanders said. “Mardi Gras was coming up, so it was my bright idea to do a little one-time Mardi Gras parade.”
Over the decades, the parade has expanded into something that is now expected on a yearly basis. Beyond the parade itself, this event carries much meaning for those who attend. “I had a police officer say the parade is what keeps our little town alive,” Sanders said. “It’s what people look forward to every year.”
Even with its growth in both size and attraction, the reason behind the parade remains the same: it’s a family-oriented event. With that, there is no charge for anyone, including vendors. While donations are accepted, they aren’t required.
“It’s still what it started as, and what it still is today, a family, fun, free day,” Sanders said.
For Alexis Davis, a local resident of the area, going to the parade is nothing new to her, and it is more than just something seasonal—it’s a generational tradition.
“We come out here every year because it’s just a great way to spend time together as a family,” Davis said. “The kids have been looking forward to it all week, more so for the candy and the beads, but it’s something different for us, and different compared to our usual weekend; it just gives us, and everyone else, a chance to get out and see everyone and enjoy the day.”
She mentioned that she’s attended the parade for as long as she can remember. Now that she’s older, she looks forward to sharing the tradition with her children.
“My parents used to bring me when I was a kid, and now I’m the one bringing my own kids,” she said. “It’s coming around almost full circle, and I find that special. Even though new floats and new things get added each year, it’s something my kids and I always look forward to.”
While larger parades are held in cities like New Orleans, Davis prefers the small version and said it makes it more meaningful. “It’s definitely smaller than those other big parades in New Orleans, but I think that’s what makes ours more special,” she said. “You’re not fighting against big crowds, and you might actually know some of the people in the parade, so it makes it more special and a bit more personal.”
As for teenagers like Marcus Cooley, the parade serves as a chance to gather with people and be a part of something exciting.
“It was exciting mostly because my friends were coming, and we all kind of planned to meet up out here,” Cooley said. “There’s not always a lot going on around here at times, so when something exciting like this is happening, you never really want to miss out on it, especially if it’s a once-a-year thing.”
For Cooley, the atmosphere and energy are what make the parade stand out. He said it’s one of the main reasons he enjoys it, and encourages others to participate.
“There’s a lot of energy out here, the music’s loud, people are screaming for beads and kids are smiling and running around with candy in their hands. Even though it’s kind of chaotic, it’s fun in a way, and something I think a lot of people don’t see every day,” Cooley said.
Although it was originally meant to be a simple idea, it has now evolved to a lively celebration.
“Everyone is just laughing, talking and having a pretty good time, and even if you weren’t in the actual parade, or not in a great mood before coming here, you’ll feel the energy and your mood will instantly go up,” Cooley added.
What initially began as a small project for Sanders’ grandchildren back in 2006 has grown into an annual tradition that is sought after each year by the Cloutierville community. With beads and candy flying through the streets, this parade proves that its impact extends far beyond floats. Although Mardi Gras is just a celebration to most, for this community, it serves as a reflection of the town’s spirit and traditions.
