Krewe of Omega kicks off Mardi Gras season

On Friday Feb. 22, the Krewe of Omega kicked off the Mardi Gras season with a parade around Southeastern Louisiana University.

The Krewe of Omega as well as local businesses participated in the celebration of Mardi Graswhich has been planned by the organization over the past year.

The club began in 1986 by the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and is a local social organization that strives to build friendships while celebrating Louisiana heritage and Tangipahoa Parish pride.

Kathy Roberts, the captain of the Krewe of Omega, shared some of the more attractive features she thought the parade had to offer.

“We had 60 entries,” said Roberts. “Over 26 floats were ours and the rest were from the surrounding community. We had professional dancers, kids dancing and bands throughout the parade.”

Roberts said that she believes the parade was a success due to the approval of the community.

“From the feedback I’ve gotten, everyone had a great time,” said Roberts, adding, “ I have only heard good things from our members and from people in the community.”

Roberts shared that the organization changed float vendors, and now the organization will be providing better prizes to throw during their parade in 2020.

“We were at the end of our float contract with our provider in New Orleans,” said Roberts. “Myself and three board members sought out new builders and got prices and Matt Cantrell, who’s been building floats for 50 years, is going to help us out. We’re now saving a lot of money and will be able to provide more things for the community.”

Madison Sunde, a freshman English major, shared some of her favorite aspects of the parade.

“I really loved seeing the royalty,” added Sunde. “I hope that one day I can be part of the Mardi Gras.”

The king and queen of the parade this year were Ken and Linda Ross.

Sunde added she enjoyed the memories that were brought back to her as she enjoyed the parade.

“I really loved the floats and all the cute little kids jumping around for beads and stuffed animals,” said Sunde. “It reminded me of when I was a kid and me and my family would go to parades in Metairie with my whole family. Those are memories you hold on to forever.”

Sunde said saidthat she enjoyed the musical performances in the parade as well.

“I also enjoyed the float that had a bunch of people playing live music on it,” said Sunde. “That was so cool. Most floats have a big loud speaker, but no. They were the music.”

Sunde concluded concluded that she hopes to go back to the parade again next year.