Krewe of Sobek prepares for weekend of Mardi Gras events
By: Morgan Thomas
Updated: January 21, 2013
A local Mardi Gras Krewe is celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend. The Krewe of Sobek's parade kicks off Saturday, but it all begins with their Grande Ball on Friday.
"You can never go wrong with feathers, the more shimmer, the better the celebration," said Toni Thibeaux, ball chair.
The Krewe of Sobek is transforming the Shreveport Convention Center for the event.
"Each member purchases a table and they take it upon themselves to decorate. Our theme this year is "All Things Grande". So, they had option from going back to year one to year ten," said Thibeaux.
Thibeaux's job is making it a night to remember.
"We want everything to be eye-catching we want it be exciting when individuals walk in," said Thibeaux.
Right now, the Krewe of Sobek float will be the back drop at their Grande Ball, but the very next morning it will roll out to the fairgrounds for their tenth anniversary parade.
"We're going to throw more beads; we have more throws like frisbees, toys for kids," said Captain Michael Harris, Krewe of Sobek.
It's all happening in the heart of a community that has gone through some tough times in recent months.
"It's always our pleasure to focus on the Queensborough neighborhood... I'm looking forward to it because kids in Queensborough neighborhood are very excited," said Barbara Bryant, Former Sobek Queen.
Sobek members are happy to bring a piece of Mardi Gras to a community that needs more reasons to smile.
"Our purpose is to bring Mardi Gras to people who maybe would not have opportunity to go to a larger parade - to go stand on Clyde Fant Parkway for Centaur and Gemini parades... to make it a community affair is heartwarming," said King Carl Pierson, Sobek.
King Ten Carl Pierson says his krewe parties for a purpose by giving back to the community.
"We spend at least an hour a week with young boys and girls in elementary schools. Give them advice and be apart of their lives," said Pierson.
The Krewe of Sobek Parade starts at 1 P.M. Saturday afternoon. It begins and ends at the state fairgrounds in Shreveport.
Click here for information on their Grande Ball.
Click here for a complete list of Shreveport area Mardi Gras celebrations.
