The Dazzling Krewe of Apollo 2017

The Krewe of Apollo aka the Lockport Parade

Every year, theLockport Parade rolls at noon the Saturday before Mardi Gras. And of course, the Krewe of Apollo 2017 was was no exception.

This parade is a perfect antidote to the huge city parades.  You can walk the route before the parade and smell cookouts, barbecues, and seafood boils.  Gumbo and jambalaya seem to be at every other house.  Some people go all out and have boucherie’s, while others just pick up food from Rouse’s, Frank’s, Popeye’s and Sunrise.  In other words, it’s the Krewe of Apollo 2017

If you do walk the parade route with someone from Lockport, you will have to stop 100 times over so that person can talk with everyone and their momma.  People come home from out of town and out of state just for this parade.  

People from Lockport who don’t particularly care for parades go to the Krewe of Apollo.  This is an unscientific accumulation of data, but it seems like all of my friends from Lockport who went to Disney World this week, left directly after catching the parade.

The parade features floats designed by the riders themselves.  Whereas most parades rent floats from professional designers, the Krewe of Apollo works year round to decorate their float.  While they do have sponsorship, many krewe members donate their money and time.

Pictures of The Krewe of Apollo 2017 (click to see larger!)

As you can see, the weather was absolutely perfect. The whole day was perfect.

Where my parents live, we can catch the parade twice.  The first time is near the beginning and the second time is near the church.  For us, this means we catch the parade on both sides getting to see different people we know.

Why it’s so special!

What makes the Lockport parade so special?  It is a reunion.  It’s hundreds of family reunions.  It is hundreds of Central Lafourche and Lockport High School reunions.  

It allows us, for one day, to catch up with old friends and family members in a joyous occasion.  No matter how far we go, the Lockport Parade always reminds us where home is.

It’s also a birthday party. Our little one turns two the day of the Krewe of Apollo 2020 parade. It will also be her first!

To quote the kids, it will be lit. Not exactly sure what that means, but still…

Let’s Talk

Have you been to Lockport Parade? What are some of your favorite memories? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

Also if you want to have your pictures included send us an email with the picture, caption and whom to give credit to!