By ROBIN SHANNON

Staff Reporter

RESERVE – The Mardi Gras season in St. John Parish officially kicks off Saturday at 1 p.m. with the 28th annual Krewe of Tohwahpasah parade on the streets of Reserve.

The parade was formed in 1983 by a group of friends who frequented Tohwahpasah Lounge and always talked about decorating trucks, trailers and four wheelers to parade from the bar to the church. Organizers say the “not so traditional” parade has grown into a large family-oriented event, and anyone who acquires a permit is allowed to participate.

“We usually average between 40 and 50 participating vehicles per year,” said parade organizer Melanie Stein. “We don’t pre-register so it all comes down to who shows up the morning of the parade.”

Although Stein said the parade is not restrictive, organizers prefer vehicles that include a homemade decorated trailer float with multiple riders to maximize the feel of a true Mardi Gras Parade.

“They are becoming more popular in our parade,” Stein said. “It allows more people to participate.”

The parade has no specific theme, and the floats can be decorated in whatever fashion the owner desires, so long as it is kept in the spirit of Mardi Gras. Stein said the obvious overwhelming theme this year has been of the “black and gold” variety.

“We have heard so many participants that are looking to do Saints-themed decorations this year,” Stein said. “That is how we are decorating our float. The team will be well represented.

Riders choose their own throws, which usually include beads, cups, trinkets, footballs and assorted stuffed animals. Stein said riders typically try to match their throws up to the theme of their specific float, so expect lots of footballs and sports related paraphernalia.

The parade lines up at the Reserve Recreation Center on Railroad Avenue near Riverside Academy. It proceeds down Railroad Avenue, takes a left onto North West Fourth Street, a right onto Jackie Street, a left onto Annex back to Railroad Avenue.

The parade crosses the tracks at West Second Street, and travels to River Road, where it crosses back at West First St. The procession then rolls to Central Avenue, and back down to River Road, where it backtracks all the way to West Eighth Street.

The last leg of the parade takes it down Godchaux, past the St. John Library, finally wrapping up back where it started.

Royalty for Tohwahpasah, which is chosen based on previous participation, is announced the day of the procession, and a large community party is held at the conclusion of the parade.