L’Observateur / November 23, 1998

LAPLACE – The Krewe du Monde will not host a ball in 1999, but area residents can count on a parade for the approaching carnival season and a full-blown ball and parade in the year 2000.

“We look forward to providing to you a parade equal to the standards of the past,” said Krewe du Monde President David Braud The parade will roll in LaPlace on Sunday, Feb. 14, 1999 at 1 p.m.Because this year’s krewe captain was unable to provide a sufficient court, it was decided to postpone the ball until the year 2000. A king andqueen had been named for 1999, but finances for the ball were unattainable. Many people who wanted to participate in the ball said theywere waiting for their daughters to be of age or had various business expenses, krewe leaders said.

“Our decision was not to risk court money and to do the unpopular and disheartening but responsible thing,” krewe presidents stated in a letter addressing the public. “It was not an easy decision.”It was also stated in the letter that some krewe directors are getting “burned out” after five years of contributing to the program. The group hassuffered everything from death and family problems to new and growing businesses, according to the letter.

Krewe members who decreased their time and energy given to program said they will be readily available to counsel with the new people getting on board. Two couples who will be taking on the business responsibility ofdu Monde are Stephen and Donna Flynn and David and Teri Arceneaux Braud.

“They bring some du Monde experiences, a wonderful understanding and perspective to what du Monde is all about, a great sense of the excitement and level business sense,” the leaders said. “They understand the methodsin which we have operated, and they are folks who get things done.”In reforming Krewe du Monde, the letter states that changes are expected.

Krewe leaders have passed on the corporate responsibility of Krewe du Monde, and now the focus is directed toward planning for the ball and parade for the year 2000, Braud said.

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