The Wolf Magazine

Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: On the Radar

Media Credit: Photos Courtesy of Gabby Himbert Gabby Himbert wears her Mardi Gras parade costume. The theme for last year's parade (pictured here) was "Caesar's Got Game".

For most college students in New Orleans, Mardi Gras is an opportunity to kick back, have a few drinks and catch some beads.

But for Gabby Himbert, a Loyola History junior, Mardi Gras is a chaotic time. Himbert participates in the Krewe of Caesar parade that rolls through Metairie.

She got involved in the Caesar parade because her father is a charter member and her grandfather was one of the founding members 31 years ago, she says. The very first Krewe meeting took place in the same house she and her family still live in.

Last year, Himbert served as empress, or queen, of the parade. She wore an elaborate costume including a headpiece that was both 7 feet tall and wide. Though she didn't get to keep the costume, she still has the crown and scepter she used during the festivities.

This year she is looking forward to seeing the women who were in her court last year and being able to throw beads to the eager audience. She will serve as Past Emperor in his years parade.

"I didn't get to throw anything [last year] because the Captain of the Krewe feels that it takes away from the costume," Himbert says.

Though the parade tends to attract more families than young partiers, Gabby says Loyola students will still have a good time if they attend.

"Caesar is known around the city as being the best Metairie parade so it would not be a waste of their time," Himbert says, "[They have] lots of throws, huge floats, beautiful costumes, everything that makes a parade good."

Himbert didn't give too many details about the individual float designs, because she didn't want to spoil the excitement, she says.

The parade is scheduled to follow its usual route on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 6:00 pm. It will start on El Dorado, wind its way up Veterans and end on Martin Behrman Ave. More information can be found at:

http://www.mardigrasparadeschedule.com or http://www.kreweofcaesar.org

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools