Shreveport Mardi Gras Krewes Propose Compromise Plan

SHREVEPORT, LA - A compromise proposal to keep the big Mardi Gras parades rolling in Shreveport has been pitched to Mayor Tom Arceneaux.

The Krewes of Centaur and Gemini have sent the Mayor revised contracts. Arceneaux has asked for some changes. He wants the parades to begin at 2:30 in the afternoon and he has also asked to change the date of the Centaur Parade because it falls on the same date as the African American Parade which rolls in the morning downtown.

This new proposed contract would be in place for 10 years. The Krewes are asking for a 5pm start time for the parades and they also want the full route restored so the Krewes can stage and begin at Clyde Fant Parkway at Lake Street.

Statement from the Krewes:

"We feel that our contract proposals are a win for both the City of Shreveport and the Krewes, along with the citizens and surrounding areas that call Shreveport their home for work and play. We look forward to continuing to work with the Shreveport Parade Task Force to make our parades as well organized and efficient as possible. For over thirty years, the Krewes have been organizing, staging, and funding the parades with the much appreciated assistance of SPAR, along with the police and emergency services of the city and parish."

The Krewe of Centaur Parade is scheduled for February 3. The Krewe of Gemini Parade is set for February 10.

Mayor Arceneaux has raised concerns about the police department staffing as his reason for proposing a shorter route and a different date for the Centaur Parade. He has said the shortage of officers in SPD is a major concern this year.

But Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has told KEEL News the parade dates should not be moved because international tourists already have plans to travel to our region.

You can click here to take a full look at the proposed contract.