Mardi Gras St. Charles style

Photo: Heather R. Breaux

Donald and Betty Muller reigned as king and queen of the Krewe of Lul.

If you’re a St. Charles Parish resident, you didn’t have to travel far to get into the Mardi Gras spirit because the parades were right in our backyard.

Parishioners young, old and in-between lined the parade routes to catch their favorite throws and visit with friends and family during the Luling and Des Allemands parades.

The Krewe of Lul celebrated their 30-year anniversary with - you guessed it! - over 30 themed floats rolling from Angus Road to Sugarhouse Road. And most patrons had only good things to say about this year’s event.

“I’ve been coming to this parade since I was a kid, and it gets better every year,” said Joe Black of Luling. “And it’s a safe and fun atmosphere for the kids.”

The “krewe” honored the parish’s 200th birthday by tossing plastic cups adorned with the bicentennial logo to parade goers, and dance teams and the Hahnville High School band provided entertainment between floats.

Donald and Betty Muller reigned as king and queen and Eula Champagne rode as the grand marshal.

The Krewe of Des Allemands also recognized the parish’s birthday with 18 great floats hitting the streets with around 360 riders.

From purple, green and gold beads to stuffed animals, everyone had their eye on that “special something” and the crowd begged, “throw me something, mister.”

Most got what they wanted, and quickly jostled back into position for the next float.

“I want a lot of beads and doubloons, said Kelsey Michaels, 7. “But I’ll take anything they throw to me.”

King and Queen Herman and Linda Kelone shared the spotlight with this year’s grand marshals Emily Naquin and Mazie Dufrene. The Krewe of Des Allemands was founded in 1995.

Both parades had something for everyone, and if you didn't go home with a lot of beads, there's plenty of time to get ready for next year. See you then!