Parade goers didn’t let the rain ‘rain on their parade’

The 20th annual Mardi Gras parade was held at 6:30 p.m on Feb. 23 in downtown Baton Rouge. The parade had an assortment of entertainment and it provided a boost to the economy.

The parade originated in New Orleans and with the long standing success it had in the city, the duo dreamed of bringing the long tradition to Baton Rouge.The Krewe of Orion, which started in 1998, was founded by Charles Harvey, a native of New Orleans and Darren Coates a native of Baton Rouge.

Parking was limited and parade goers struggled to find open spaces.

Rainy weather did not dampen those parade goers of all ages who were determined to have a good time. Dancing and yelling was just what they came for and nothing was going to stop the fun.

Indeed, those that are native to the area are more used to dramatic weather changes than those from out of state.“We got a little rained on, but we were already here so we stayed and enjoyed ourselves,” CJ O’Brien stated. O’Brien is a native of Atlanta but comes with his family to visit Mardi Gras every year.

Following the intense pour of rain, he was one of many people who lined the slippery streets downtown with ponchos and umbrellas.

“We dressed for the weather with our rain boots and had a great time tonight,” said Lynn Gordon.

Vendors pushed tall carts full of fun with parade souvenirs like cotton candy, cups, glow sticks and teddy bears all so that people could leave with just a reminder of the fun times at the parade.

“I brought my only granddaughter here and she’s so excited,” said Gordon. “She’s been asking for cotton candy for the longest and to see the cart filled with it made her night.”

Downtown Baton Rouge streets were full of unique and vibrant colored floats pulled mostly by tractors with the theme of “Orion Is On A Roll.” The theme of the parade focused on items that rolled so lots of ornaments and decor on the floats displayed rolling items.

“I love bringing items from the parades back home, especially things I can use, like the cups,” O’Brien added.

Riders with masks and costumes were in the spirit of the parade and they threw plush items, medallions which were themed filled, footballs and cups.

The Orion Parade welcomed high school dancers from Belaire High School and local dance groups like the Southern Queens to dance and entertain the crowd with pizzazz and flair.

Among the festivities, there was even a baby gender reveal where confetti and blue beads showered down from a float which symbolized a new baby boy.

The parade ended as it ran into the Raising Cane’s River Center Exhibition Hall where the masquerade was held.