By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Residents of Des Allemands may have heard that this year will be the last parade season for the Krewe of Des Allemands, but Wayne Guillot, a board member for the organization, said this is not true.

The group is gearing up for their 55th parade season this Sunday, but the procession may be shorter than it has been in the past because of a lack of participation.

This year’s parade will feature a single grand marshall, March Dufrene of Des Allemands. Alvin and Janice Dufrene, also residents of Des Allemands, will reign as king and queen. The Krewe of Des Allemands makes it a point to choose older, local couples that are noteworthy in the community and have been married for a very long time as their royalty, said Guillot. The Dufrenes have been married for 53 years, nearly as long as the parade has been running.

The Des Allemandes parade route will begin at the intersection of Old Spanish Trail and Whitley Road. The procession will then turn onto U.S. Highway 90, continuing on until Louisiana Highway 631. Finally the parade will wind back on to Old Spanish Trail where it will end on Lorraine Drive. Guillot said he expects about 200 riders this year along with at least 11 floats.  Crowds will enjoy the musical styling of the Hahnville High School marching band. Kappa and the Southern Voodoo Dolls will also make an appearance.

Guillot said the Krewe of Des Allemands does not plan to make this year the final parade, but it really depends on whether or not they can boost membership for the carnival club. He said in previous years they have had plenty of participants, but recently, participation has been lagging. Guillot blames it on the economy and said people are gung-ho at first but disappear when it’s time to pay up. Guillot is hopeful residents will come out in large numbers to show their support since the parade has been a tradition for so many years.

Guillot also said the crowd should look out for the special throws they have this year. He said cups and emblem beads will be tossed. In addition, the king, queen and grand marshall will all have their own special throws. The Krewe of Des Allemands usually allows each float to have its own individual theme, but Guillot said those themes are usually kept secret before the big day.