Krewe of Hercules Kicks Off Mardi Gras 2019
Parade spectators were able to see a pleasingly dry Hercules parade throughout the entire parade route to kick off Carnival season on Feb. 22 in Houma.
For years the Krewe of Hercules has illuminated the hundreds of thousands of celebrators with their generosity of Mardi Gras beads, collectible throws and extravagant floats.
This year was the largest parade in the city’s history, led by Grand Marshall and Super Bowl XXII champion Doug Williams, the legendary 610 Stompers and King Hercules XXXV.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Krewe of Hercules as they introduced King Hercules XXXV, Randy Landry.
Randy Landry has been a tenant of Terrebonne Parish for over 40 years. He is the district supervisor for Supreme Services in Houma and was a manager of Halliburton for multiple years. He has earned a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Mobile.
Landry has been in a marriage with his wife, Dana Boudreaux Landry, for over 25 years. They also have two grandchildren, Logan and Caleb. He and his wife have owned Budget Blinds for 13 years. Landry has been an active member of the Krewe of Hercules for seven years.
The importance of King Hercules dates back from ancient Greek mythology as Hercules was a Roman hero and god. The founders of the Krewe of Hercules believed the Greek god Hercules was the most fitting name to lead the crew and portrayed as the most prominent Carnival crew in Houma.
A popular viewing site in Houma is what citizens call the Kajun Kritter Bridge (where Dave’s Cajun Kitchen was previously located). Despite quality weather conditions for Mardi Gras, the entourage still moved at a measly pace, which caused the King to not be able to toast the officials until around 11 p.m.
For many spectating the parade, it was their first Mardi Gras experience. Alicia Henderson from East Lansing, Mich. came to Houma to see her first parade in what she hoped to be of many.
“The time that I have spent down in this region is indescribable as I have bonded with a culture that I have never experienced before,” Henderson said. “It’s an experience that most out of state citizens need to feel.”
However, as exciting as carnival season can be for many, it can also be dangerous. Just as partiers get ready, so does law enforcement.
Later in the night further down the parade route, an incident occurred in which a large group of teenage males encountered another group of adolescent males in an attempt to “sneak” one of the males in the opposing group. This incident triggered an impulse reaction resulting in both groups fleeing the scene to evade the police officers spread throughout the parade route.
In addition to other possible crimes, many drug traffickers spend several months driving to and from their hub to cities surrounding the New Orleans area gearing up for Mardi Gras.
Shootings are always a possibility and danger rises along with the intentions of competing dealers trying to control various parts of cities.
When asked how she felt about the condition of the state of Louisiana during Mardi Gras, Alicia revealed her opinion on safety and precautions during such a busy time of the year.
“Louisiana is not one of the safest states in our country,” she admitted. “But it sure is the most fun state.”
Despite the possibility of unsafe conditions for Mardi Gras in Houma, the Hercules parade remains a popular, family-friendly event for everyone.
