Tohwahpahsah rides through Reserve streets on Saturday
Published 12:12 am Wednesday, February 7, 2018
RESERVE — On Saturday morning, Nikki Triche LeBouef will take to the streets of Reserve and make final preparations to ensure the Krewe of Tohwahpahsah Parade sees a successful 34th annual run.
It’s a family tradition that was started in the early 1980s by her father, Lawrence “Noonie” Triche, who recognized the need for a family-oriented parade for locals to enjoy without having to travel.
For the past few years, the Krewe of Tohwahpahsah Parade has been upheld in Triche’s memory.
This year’s parade rolls at noon Saturday and makes a loop through Railroad Avenue and River Road, taking detours down West Fourth, Annex, West Second and West First streets.
Krewe royalty will be unveiled to the public around 11:30 a.m. at the start of the route. LeBouef recommends attendees arrive around 10 a.m. to set up camp and socialize with others.
“We’re looking for everyone in the community to come together and have a good time,” LeBouef said. “It’s something I did as a child and something that meant a lot to my dad.”
LeBouef’s sister, Krewe of Tohwahpahsah President Frances Triche Sullivan, said her goal is to have 30 groups participate. Building a quality parade has become increasingly difficult over the years due to insurance regulations restricting participation from golf carts, horses and four wheelers, she said.
The goal has been met, as Saturday’s parade features around 30 units, including homemade floats of various themes, local dance teams and kings, queens and other royalty riding in vehicles.
Longtime parade attendee Dawn Bardwell said the parade has changed over time, but coordinators still allow locals to ride in cars, trucks or floats to throw for a fairly low cost.
Bardwell plans on upholding her tradition of watching the parade with her husband and friends at Airborne Bar.
Last minute parade registration will be considered as long as potential participants sign up today, LeBouef said. For more information, call 985-703-2212. Year round fundraisers have allowed Triche’s family to uphold the Krewe of Tohwahpahsah tradition for generations.
A raffle for two individual sacks of crawfish and seasoning is planned for Good Friday.
A separate fundraiser involves Krewe of Tohwahpahsah Board members dispersing candy-filled Easter eggs in the front yards of those who apply and pay a fee.
For more information about the parade and upcoming fundraisers, visit Krewe of Tohwahpahsah Parade on Facebook.