Throwback Pictures From the 2009 Krewe of Centaur Grand Bal

Shreveport's Krewe of Centaur is one of the largest Mardi Gras Krewes in the state of Louisiana. Back in 1991, the Krewe formed as a small group that wanted to build a great community organization, and have some fun along the way. From a small group, the Krewe has grown to hundreds of active riders, and thousands of members over the years.

Centaur's parade, Bal, and parties have grown to be the biggest Mardi Gras events in the Ark-La-Tex. With somewhere between 300,000 and 500,000 revelers lining the streets of Shreveport for the Centaur parade, and just under 2,000 attendees at last year's Grand Bal.

But the Centaur parade, and Centaur Grand Bal, weren't always that well attended. These events keep growing every year.

Lets take a look back at the history of the Centaur Grand Bal. All the way back to the year 2009. The Krewe of Centaur was led by Captain XVIII Billy Watson, and was getting ready to celebrate King and Queen XVIII.

The event was held at the Bossier Civic Center, while the modern era Centaur Bal events are held at the Shreveport Convention Center. The 2009 event featured many of the same elements you'll see at a modern Centaur Bal; flashy costumes from the royalty, cart rides through the event, food and drink, throws, and a great night of Mardi Gras fun.

That night was a huge night for the Centaur Royalty, featuring Captain Billy Watson, as well as King XVII Ricky Bridges and Queen XVII Becky Ponder Burt. Check out pictures from the event here: