This past weekend, Krewe du Fool rolled their inaugural mermaid parade. Parade goers donned aquatic-themed outfits and marched along the French Quarter riverfront.
Beyond fun and celebration, the parade acted as a fundraiser for the Audubon Nature Institute and their newly opened aquarium, according to Dnald Levy, an organizer with Krewe Du Fool.
Levy said the fundraising mainly went to the Audubon Nature Institue’s education department, which centers on conservation efforts, according to the institute’s website.
Krewe Du Fool is most well known for their April Fools’ parade, which rolls yearly beginning in Marigny. The Mermaid Parade introduces a new theme and route for the krewe.
Levy added that the Audubon Nature Institute’s new aquarium, located in the French Quarter, acted as partial inspiration behind the “mermaid” parade.
The parade was open to all ages and hosted a wide variety of marine related costumes, from sea creatures to sailors to the titular mermaids.
Krewe member Samantha Bongiovanni, who attended dressed as a glittery mermaid, highlighted the contrast with the exclusive “politics and red tape” typical of parades and krewes.
Levy wanted the event to be open to all, and anyone could walk in the parade for $15, according to Krewe du Fool’s website.
And, community members embraced this opportunity. Loyola students Mary Justice and Mae Babin attended the parade, dressed as undersea creatures, as part of Babin’s birthday celebration.
“It was really great,” Babin said.
Both Levy and Bongiovanni were incredibly pleased with the parade’s overall success and turnout.
“It was so exciting,” Bongiovanni said. “There were just so many people there. It was perfect.”
Levy added that he is very confident the Mermaid Parade will continue to roll, as they have already begun organizing next years’ parade.
“I think this is going to become a tradition for New Orleans, and I’m looking forward to it,” Levy said.
