Embracing the spirit of Mardi Gras in Natchitoches Parish and beyond, the city’s newest Mardi Gras organization, Krewe of The 9, will host its inaugural Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, Jan. 31, rolling through downtown Natchitoches and the surrounding residential historic district.
Parade staging and lineup will take place in the parking lot of the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse, located at 200 Church Street from 10 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. The parade is scheduled to roll at noon.
The family-friendly parade will be led by grand marshal Bennie Logan, a Coushatta, Louisiana native and former NFL defensive tackle. Logan had an accomplished athletic career at Red River High School before playing college football at LSU. He was drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft and went on to play six seasons in the league with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans. The Eagles later went on to win the Super Bowl following his tenure with the team.
Following his professional football career, Logan transitioned into coaching and business. He recently joined longtime friend Marshall Faulk and his staff at Southern University and A&M College after Faulk was named head football coach in December. Logan currently serves as the Jaguars’ defensive line coach.
The parade will feature a mix of local and out-of-town entrants and will follow a route beginning at the staging area and traveling Church Street, Second Street, Texas Street, Fifth Street, and returning to Church Street.
Those interested in additional information or in entering the parade may contact kreweofthe9parade@gmail.com or call (318) 332-0414, (318) 521-4799, or (318) 332-8254.
