Mardi Gras parade planned
The first initial and planning meeting for a safe and “family friendly” 2016 Rayne Mardi Gras Parade was held on Thursday, July 30, at 5:30 p.m. at the Rayne Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture office.
The Rayne Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture is co-sponsoring this event with full support from the city of Rayne administration, and will be under the umbrella of the Chamber’s Tourism Committee.
Committee principals attending were: Brian Mouton, representing A & O 21st Century Club, Cutrina Jolivette and Cutina R.J. Gabriel, representing Sisters of A & O 21st Century Club, Elmo Lasseigne, Howard DeRouen, III, and Renee’ Champagne, representing Krewe De Joie des Vie, and Fran Bihm, executive director of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture. Absent were Jeremy Lavergne and Jimmy Prevost, Chamber representatives. Additional committee members are expected to assist in this new event for the City of Rayne.
The first order of business was to set a date and time frame. After discussion and looking at the other area parades, it was approved that the date will be Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. Parade line-up will be at 2:00 p.m., and parade starting at 3:00 p.m.
The parade route will begin at the Frog Festival grounds, travel along The Boulevard and end at the Depot Square.
Plans are to have the committee sell food and drinks and have music by a DJ after the parade at the Depot Square until 7:00pm. No ice chests will be allowed. Final decision will be made at future meetings.
Entry fees will be $25 for anybody(floats, vehicles, dancers, etc.).
Registration and entry forms will be available in the near future at the Rayne Chamber office after rules and regulations have been set.
“The Rayne Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture Tourism Committee is very excited to formulate plans to enjoy a safe and family friendly Mardi Gras Parade during the Mardi Gras season, and are very appreciative of the cooperation of the City of Rayne administration for co-sponsoring this event for the citizens and visitors to our beautiful city,” stated Fran Bihm, executive director.