Natchitoches’ newest, and arguably most fun loving, Mardi Gras Krewe, the Krewe of Excellence, celebrated its 20th anniversary Sunday, November 17 at a local party venue. In the summer of 2004, a group of 14 area residents gathered to start a new Mardi Gras Krewe that would, in the words of former president and founding member Ronald Helaire: “Put our stamp on Mardi Gras in Natchitoches…”
From its humble beginnings meeting in St. Anthony’s church hall, the group grew steadily. They held their first Mardi Gras Ball titled “Mardi Gras in Paris” in 2006 and participated in their first parade the same year. They built their own Krewe float in 2008 and began their own Mardi Gras parade in 2023.
In addition to their balls, coronations and other social events, the Krewe is also active in community service and education. The Natchitoches Parish Journal congratulates the Krewe of Excellence on their first twenty years and extends its best wishes for many more.
