NEW ROADS — On March 1, New Roads will welcome its newest Mardi Gras parade as the Krewe of Chemin Neuf rolls through town, benefiting diabetes education and prevention efforts in Pointe Coupee Parish. This will be the town’s first-ever night parade.
The Krewe of Chemin Neuf will also host an all-day festival featuring performances by local choirs and musicians, as well as food and drinks. The family-friendly event will highlight the history of Mardi Gras in New Roads—home to the second-oldest Mardi Gras celebration in Louisiana—and include historical presentations by authors, a high school Battle of the Bands, and a sweet pecan challenge for participants to compete in.
Special guests will include LSU’s Mike the Tiger, with performances throughout the day by the nationally acclaimed LSU Tiger Girls.
Carnival rides will be available along Morrison Parkway in the “Fun Family Zone” from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“This new Mardi Gras festival is truly about supporting our small community – creating a fun, family-friendly event that brings people together for the greater cause of improving the health and welfare of our friends and neighbors,” said Krewe spokesperson Virginia Monceret.
The night parade starts at 6 p.m. and will feature 15 illuminated floats, nine marching bands, noted guests and local entries.
The parade will be part of New Roads’ longstanding Mardi Gras tradition, joining the traditional Lions Club Parade and the Community Center of Pointe Coupee Mardi Gras Parade, both of which take place on Mardi Gras Day. New Roads hosts the second-oldest Mardi Gras celebration in Louisiana, with a history dating back to 1880.
To get details of the parade’s route for Saturday night, visit the Krewe of Chemin Neuf’s parade route webpage.
The Krewe of Chemin Neuf’s Mardi Gras festival and parade will honor the area’s military, medical and community leaders. Grand Marshals for the inaugural event include retired Army General Russel Honore’, military honoree, Dr. Louis Montelaro, medical honoree, and former LSU Gymnastics head coach D-D Breaux, community service honoree.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Pointe Coupee Health Services Foundation, specifically supporting diabetes education, prevention, and cost-reduction programs that improve the well-being of residents in New Roads and Pointe Coupee Parish.
The Krewe has already made one $2,000 donation to the foundation and plans to present another donation after the event.
For more information about the parade and festival events, visit the Krewe of Chemin Neuf’s website.
Check out more parades in UWK‘s 2025 Mardi Gras Guide.
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