GRAMERCY — The second annual St. James Parish Krewe of M.A.C. parade is set to deliver community unity, Mardi Gras spirit and a bag of throws for everyone who attends, coordinators said.

The parade kicks off at 2 p.m. Tuesday, starting at Golden Grove Truck Stop in Gramercy.

A procession of 15 to 20 floats and numerous corvettes, horses and marching groups will proceed down Main Street through Lutcher, take a right on Washington Street and end at Lutcher Elementary School.

Line up for participants takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and parade registration is open through the day of the event. For more information, visit kreweofmac.com, email kjbrass06@yahoo.com or call 225-229-2492.

Krewe of M.A.C. founder Ken Brass recommends attendees who come to watch the parade arrive about an hour in advance. Roads will likely be blocked off to travelers between 1:30 and 2 p.m., he said.

The Proud Family Social Club from Lutcher, the Gramercy Tigers youth football team, It Takes Lives to Save Lives, the Lutcher High School band, dance team and flag team and other dance and riding groups are slated to appear, according to coordinator Kendell Winfield.

King Damian Ursin, Queen Kristina Harrison, Grand Marshall Dana Bardell, Ambassador Lydia Young, Princes Stefan Mitchel and Keiron Goudia, Princesses Gretchen Borne and Jaden Johnson and M.A.C. Baby Cali Bartholomew comprise the 2018 Royal Court.

Winfield said it’s important for the community to have a parade to call its own and to make memories without having to travel.

“A lot of kids in the community don’t get to go to New Orleans or Metairie for parades,” Winfield said.

“We see it as a family event, and we look forward to bringing the community together. We don’t have to know you. On the parade route, whoever you are, you’re guaranteed to leave with a big bag of throws.

Brass said he sees the parade becoming an annual tradition for people to look forward to.

“It’s a safe atmosphere for parents and grandparents to attend with their children,” Brass said.

The Krewe of M.A.C. started in November 2016, when a group of 15 St. James Parish residents banded together to reinstate the tradition of good fellowship that once accompanied local parades.

Short for “Making a Change,” the Krewe of M.A.C. raises money to impact the lives of local youth through engagement, scholarship opportunities and school supply drives.

This year’s theme, Celebrating Our Local Black History, was explored through this year’s inaugural Historians of Color Reception and Brunch and will be reflected in the parade line-up, Brass said.

The 20 honorees from the brunch and local elected officials are invited a special grand stand seating area, where the parade will come to a halt to give a special toast to the King and Queen.

Historians of color honorees include Debra Bartley, Ronald Shine Boudreaux Sr., John Brass, JaVon Butler, Rubenstein Clark, Betty Coleman, Judy Ezidore, Dianne Gaudin, Lydia Gloster, Arthur Harper, Truman Jacques, Rev. Dr. Samuel Jones, Edwin Octave Jr., Michelle Nayler, Ralph Patin, Roy Quezaire Jr., Danielle Taylor-Joseph, Lionel Washington, Harriet Weber and Barbara Woods.

Sponsors:

Brass extends a heartfelt thank you to the following sponsors for supporting the Krewe of M.A.C.’s initiatives:

Parish President Timmy Roussel Sr., Assessor Glenn Waguespack, St. James Parish School Board, Senator Ed Price, Sheriff Willie Martin, Councilman Jason Amato, Mayor Patrick St. Pierre, Mayor Steve Nosacka, Pete Dufresne, Roussel’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts, EDM Consulting LLC, T. Baker Smith Engineering Firm, Occidental Petroleum Champion, Brothers Correctional Services LLC, PG Services LLC, DEMCO and Marathon Petroleum Company.