Weekend Preview of events including parades, pets and history
By: Morgan Thomas
Updated: February 1, 2013
The ArkLaTex has a lot to look forward to this weekend as several parades rolls through town. Here's a preview of what to expect this weekend:
African American History Parade and Celebration
The 25th annual African American History Parade and Celebration kicks off at 11 A.M. The parade route begins on Milam St. near the Municipal Auditorium, then, runs east through downtown to Market St., and finally, swinging back west to Texas St.
This year parade-goers will see beauty queens, marching bands, floats and dance teams. Plus, it's a chance to celebrate the beginning of African American History Month.
Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras Parade
On Saturday afternoon the first of our big Mardi Gras parades hits Shreveport.
The Krewe of Centaur Parade begins at 4:30 P.M. and will start downtown this year, and will go south on Clyde Fant Parkway. They'll turn right on Shreveport-Barksdale Highway and end at Preston Ave. and East King's Highway.
"We're doing sweeps. We actually have a giant magnet that sweeps the ground to be sure we get all the staples, nails, and things up because we don't want flat tires on parade route," said Angie Costakis, Krewe of Centaur.
Krewe members expect a great crowd this year thanks to much better weather on tap this year.
"I've received calls in the past few days from Texarkana, from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, from places in Oklahoma, places in East Texas. People calling and saying, 'Where do we park? Where's the best place to watch the parade?'" said Costakis.
Centaur is also offering something new for families this year - bouncers! They've added twenty bounces of all shapes and sizes to the family area near Stoner and Clyde Fant. The inflatables will be open from 9 A.M. until 6 P.M. For $20.00, children can bounce to their hearts content. The event is part of Centaur's plan to keep Mardi Gras a family affair.
Krewe of Barkus & Meoux
On Sunday, there's even more Mardi Gras fun to be had --- this parade, more of the furry kind. From 1:30 - 3 P.M. the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux will take-over River View Park, along with thousands of pets from the ArkLaTex.
This year's theme: "Stars, Guitars and Animals from Mars" pretty much covers any kind of costume you can come up with for your pet. To get your dog, cat, donkey, or any other kind of animal in the parade, it costs $20.00 for the first pet and $10.00 for each additional one.
