Krewe of Highland Parade & Bal: what you need to know

Yahoo

18-02-2025

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—Shreveport's Krewe of Highland is kicking off its 30th Mardi Gras celebration with a green twist! They're swapping out traditional beads for eco-friendly fun—expect more stuffed toys, Moon Pies, and even cash flying through the air.
'Our crew, our float. We throw money. Because it's cheaper, it's hilarious. It's cheaper to throw in 50-cent pieces and dollars than it is actually to throw in quality beads. The cheap beads nobody wants. They're actually called trash beads. We ask people not to throw beads. Even if they can throw moon pies or something fun like that.' says the Krewe of Highlands founder, Matthew Linn,
Lin says there's a Krewe that throws exclusively VCR recyclables and others that throw food, such as spam and hot dogs.
'A long time ago, I went to New Orleans and enjoyed Mardi Gras. I caught the Mardi Gras bug,' said Linn.
2025's Krewe of Highlands' King, D.J. Gardner, shares that he became king through two of his friends, the previous King and Queen of Highland, both from a sub-Krewe titled 'the Krewe of Epicurious.'
'And I love what we do for the community. We get back in, and we also have a bunch of philanthropies that we'd like to support, you know, as far as planting trees, you know, give back to the community to various foundations. So in that part, it's one of the things I love about being the king,' Gardner said.
Gardner says his favorite element is how community-driven. They have hosted several events and collaborations, such as:
Hosting drag nights and trivia at the local pub Bears;
Hosting toy drives, collecting new or lightly used plushies for children;
Collaborating with local craft brewery The Seventh Tap on their Moon Pie-inspired stout, 'Krewe of Pieland,' described as 'roasted malt, decadent chocolate, and fluffy marshmallow.'
The Krewe of Highlands parade will occur on Sunday, March 2nd, before Fat Tuesday. Roads will close at noon, and the parade is set to roll by 2 p.m.
Linn offers a little tip: there are specific zones for toys, food, and the best throws.
,' says Linn.
He says the Methodist Church on Herndon is more family-friendly, bathrooms are at Centenary College, and alcohol-free zones are on the campus. Linn says bathrooms are available to everyone.
The staging area will be located on Gilbert Drive, closest to Marilynn's Place. With the help of the City, the Krewe will close the parade route at noon, except Gilbert Drive, which will close at 7 a.m.
The City of Shreveport has requested that all parade attendees remain on the sidewalk to allow access to emergency vehicles.
'Highland Fest XXX' grand ball and will turn the Red River District (500 Clyde Fant Pkwy Shreveport) outside Fatty Arbuckle's pub into an evening of 'scandalous fun' on February 28th.
The Krewe explains that The Grand Bal is 'music festival-themed.' Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite singer or performer and wear their best music festival attire, otherwise traditional formal wear and masks.
The Grand Bal features:
'tableaux' honors Royalty, striking poses with emotion or storytelling, freezing in position, and resuming dancing;
drag performances and impersonators,
entertainment by DJ Hotboy Yoshi, and
special guest entertainment, LVVRS.
'In true music fest fashion, there will be multiple photo ops, vendors, palm and tarot readings, food trucks, and more! This event is 21+. Please be advised, we are NOT doing assigned or royalty tables this year, but there will be a royalty lounge and VIP seating, first come, first serve.'
The festivities begin at 7 p.m. and end at 11:45 p.m. Tickets range between $70 and $100, including one meal from Cassandra's Catering or Niema's Cookery Corner and multiple cash bars.
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