logo
Krewe of Gemini's Dreamcatcher parade brings magic to Shreveport

Krewe of Gemini's Dreamcatcher parade brings magic to Shreveport

Yahoo02-03-2025
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – After a sold out bal for the first time in 36 years, the Krewe of Gemini finished their Mardi Gras extravaganza with their highly anticipated parade.
This year, the krewe embraced the theme of a dreamcatcher, celebrating the magic of childhood dreams with floats that brought to life superheroes, astronauts, courageous aviators, and daring pirates.
The pirate float, led by float lieutenant Russ Friedrich, was 60 feet long and held 40 riders. It was built in four to six months.
'This is our 36th year doing Mardi Gras. We are actually the group that brought Mardi Gras to the Ark-La-Tex; it's grown so much over the years,' said Friedrich.
Friedrich says the Krewe of Gemini is the founders, and he is one of eight members who left the Krewe 36 years ago.
'I feel proud to be a part of the community and being able to give back so much to the community of Shreveport-Bossier,' said Friedrich.
With Louisiana's rich culture, it is no surprise that the Krewe knows best in letting the good times roll.
Mardi Gras rolls on with Krewe of Gemini and Highland celebrations
A group of Longview, Texas residents dressed up in their finest purple, gold, and green, and crossed the border to celebrate Mardi Gras.
Kim Miller, one of the residents from Longview, says this experience is marvelous and you couldn't ask for a better, fun time.
'This is Louisiana. Louisiana, they have the right to celebrate, and they have that heritage and everything, so, I wish Texas had something similar like this because this is a blast,' said Miller.
The group said they love dressing up and the festive season is the perfect time for it.
Despite thousands of people from downtown Shreveport down Clyde Fant Parkway, there were plenty of throws for everyone.
Friedrich said, 'The weather is fantastic this year. We had crummy weather last year, so we have a lot of throws left over from last year, so we're going to be throwing lots of throws tonight.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Second-line clubs could face higher expenses with NOPD policy change
Second-line clubs could face higher expenses with NOPD policy change

Axios

time16 hours ago

  • Axios

Second-line clubs could face higher expenses with NOPD policy change

The second-line community plans a protest on the steps of Gallier Hall Tuesday after, its leaders say, the New Orleans Police Department proposed new regulations that would make hosting its parades more expensive. Why it matters: The disagreement presses on the bruise of what's long been described by some New Orleans' social aid and pleasure club members as a discrepancy between how they and the city's Mardi Gras krewes are treated. Driving the news: At a recent meeting between NOPD and social aid and pleasure club leaders, NOPD proposed new regulations to require increased insurance for trolleys and floats, Askia Bennett of the Ole and Nu Style Fellas tells Axios New Orleans. Those requirements, Bennett says, would increase club expenses. Plus, he says, the suddenness with which they were shared, just a few weeks before the start of the 2025-2026 second-line season, means some clubs may not have time to comply. "You just threw beaucoup water on us," he says. "At least let me put my raincoat on." What they're saying: "If you make [second-lines] more expensive, then it's more we're not going to be able to do," Bennett said. "Don't do that to the people who make New Orleans, New Orleans." "Don't do that to the culture." The latest: Second-line leaders plan a protest at 3pm Tuesday at Gallier Hall, social media posts say. "Together, we will stand against the restrictions that threaten to stifle our beloved traditions," says a post on the Six Ward Steppers' Instagram. City Council in a statement called NOPD's proposed changes "unilaterally chosen" and "sudden," and is calling on representatives from NOPD and the second-line clubs to speak about the issue during its Thursday meeting. Between the lines: Bennett says he believes the new insurance requirements were prompted by a party trolley crash that injured more than 20 people this summer. Worth noting: NOPD did not reply to Axios New Orleans' request for comment by press time. In its own statement, the Office of Cultural Economy under Mayor LaToya Cantrell called the clubs' traditions "essential to our economic, spiritual, and communal well-being."

Kennywood's Fall Fantasy parades returning this weekend for the 75th year
Kennywood's Fall Fantasy parades returning this weekend for the 75th year

CBS News

time5 days ago

  • CBS News

Kennywood's Fall Fantasy parades returning this weekend for the 75th year

The popular Fall Fantasy parades at Kennywood Park are returning this weekend for a 75th year. Kennywood announced the return of the parades on Wednesday and say that the events will return on Saturday, August 2. The parades will take place daily for over two weeks and will feature nearly 150 local marching bands with a Mardi Gras twist this season. In addition to the marching bands, the parades will feature live music, specialty food and drinks, a French Quarter themed block party, and floats designed and created by Kennywood's artists and carpenters. The parades, which began at the park in 1950 as a way to celebrate local students before the school year began, will begin nightly at 7:30 p.m. from August 2 through August 17. "For 75 years, the Fall Fantasy Parades have been a beloved tradition that brings our community together," said Ricky Spicuzza, Kennywood General Manager. "This year, we're turning up the energy with a Mardi Gras twist, from vibrant parade floats to live music and festive food, it's going to be a celebration like no other." The park says that people wishing to attend Kennywood for the parade can purchase single-day tickets online for $39.99. Kennywood will open daily through August 18 and after that will be open on weekends and Labor Day through September 7.

Westlake camp empowers those with special needs
Westlake camp empowers those with special needs

American Press

time7 days ago

  • American Press

Westlake camp empowers those with special needs

The Westlake Recreation Center recently hosted a 'life-changing' three-week special needs camp led by center staff, sheriff's deputies, police officers, firefighters, church leaders and volunteers. Campers were able to experience sitting in antique cars and an ambulance, catching live crabs, playing doctor and attending a Mardi Gras-themed dance and dinner. 'It's life-changing,' said Leslie Deville, facility manager at the Westlake Recreational Center, who has worked with campers since the camp was launched five years ago. Deville said the camp's goal is to introduce key elements that campers can take home with them that can lead to a fuller life. Each day the center would transform for the campers, and each week had a different theme. The center also created two rooms for the campers if they needed a break from the crowd. One was a 'zen' room for those who might get over-stimulated; the second room, called the 'rage' room, was for the campers to get their frustration out if need be. This room had balls to throw, bubble wrap to pop and a punching bag. During the camp, each camper was assigned a buddy to stay with them throughout the week and so they could share experiences together. 'Every day is something different. When we do the camp, we do it in the perspective of trying to stimulate all those senses and really make it a unique experience,' Deville said. The first week's theme was nature and animals found in Southwest Louisiana. Steve German from Steve German's Taxidermy Art in Westlake brought some of his work for the campers to see. The campers got to feel and learn about different animals and taxidermy. The campers also got to experience a petting zoo with Almosta Ranch bringing animals for the campers to pet and enjoy. 'We try to bring those experiences here because of the challenges they face with traveling or going out in public and this is a great space for them,' she said. The second week's theme was medical. The recreational employees and volunteers created an imitation doctor's office and waiting room for the campers to experience the minute they walked through the door. Each camper got to play 'going to the doctor' with their buddy and took turns playing the doctor and the patient. 'Going to the doctor can be really scary, so we set up in the lobby and they got to pretend like they were the doctor and their buddy was the patient. They loved it,' she said. 'They were very intrigued and what I found is that we're the ones that limit them, they can do everything; it might be adaptive or look a little different but they can do everything.' The campers got to dress up like doctors and wear a coat for the day, check their buddy's blood pressure and give pretend shots, which they loved according to Deville. The thought process behind the day was to get the campers comfortable in a medical setting. Acadian Ambulance came, as well, and let the campers tour an ambulance. 'God forbid they ever have to ride in an ambulance or ride with a family member, but maybe now it would be a little less scary for them,' Deville said. Carway's Pharmacy, Westlake Physical Therapy and Memorial Rehab Hospital all donated props for the campers to enjoy during medical week. The third week's theme was Louisiana and what it means to live in Louisiana and be a native of the state. The campers learned about products made in Louisiana, tasted Louisiana cuisine and even got to catch live crabs on their own. The crabs were donated by Steamboat Bill's. The camp ended with a Mardi Gras-themed day filled with dancing with DJ Earl J. LaPointe. 'We try to give them the experience that every person that lives in Louisiana should have — like to catch a fish or go crabbing,' she said. The concept of the special needs camp came from a mother years ago when she asked the center if they did anything for people with special needs. 'When she asked, she and I were just talking about it and we realized how there are a lot of resources available for children with special needs, but there is a gap for adults with special needs,' Deville said. 'There's not a lot of opportunity once they age out of high school and that was something we were passionate about — making sure we include everyone and that's how it got started and it's grown every year. One small thing that we do can have a ripple effect.' Brylee Trahan, 12, has been volunteering at camp for two years now and is a buddy during camp. Her favorite part about helping is how happy the campers are all the time and seeing the joy in everything they do. Her favorite theme this year was medical week, when she got to dress up like a nurse. 'Seeing that we're not all the same but you still have to accept that because there are people that are different in this world and they also have talents, too,' Trahan said. Sharon Ellender and Dillon Ledoux, from Visit Lake Charles Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point in Sulphur, returned for their second year and participated in camp on the last day. Ellender said she enjoyed seeing their smiles while educating them at the same time. The two brought alligator stickers, alligator tattoos, a real alligator head and an alligator puppet for the campers to see. 'I was overjoyed that everyone here was so attentive. It takes a special person to work with someone with special needs and it's great to watch that happening,' Ellender said. Edward English, brother of two campers, dropped off and picked up his two sisters each day of camp. He said they loved the camp and each drive home would tell him about their day. 'This was their first year at camp and they will be back next year,' he said. 'It's nice for them to have a place to go and be safe and have fun on their own.' Deville said it just takes one small thing to make a big difference. 'It matters,' Deville said. 'Our goal is to bring awareness and to inspire others and that if we can do this so can you.' For more information on the camp or to volunteer, call the center 337-436-1124.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store