NEW ORLEANS, La. (press release) – A pre-parade block party will take place in Mid-City on March 1 featuring live music, food and beverages, and drawing more than 30,000 revelers. Endymion’s pre-parade Samedi Gras Block Party, parade, and a live broadcast of the Endymion Extravaganza will usher in Mardi Gras celebrations presented by BankPlus, Beads By The Dozen, Mardi Gras World and Bud Light.
Considered a Super Krewe, Endymion’s 3,200-member parade rolls on March 1 at 4 p.m., with more than 80 floats. The celebration kicks off hours before the parade starts with Samedi Gras at noon, the krewe’s pre-parade block party featuring live music, food and beverages, drawing more than 30,000 revelers to the Mid-City neighborhood.
Endymion’s intricately designed floats use the latest fiber optic and LED lighting, accent lighting and animated props. The parade route rolls through Mid-City and downtown, ending at the Caesar’s Superdome with the krewe’s afterparty, the Endymion Extravaganza. Dressed in formal attire, up to 20,000 attend the Extravaganza yearly, dancing the night away to music performed by the best local and celebrity guest entertainers. This year’s Extravaganza will showcase musical performances from global pop sensation Katy Perry and the multi-GRAMMY Award-winning, diamond-certified band Train as the headliners.
“Endymion is the must-see parade of Carnival where people come to admire the dazzling, oversized floats, enjoy live music and entertainment and chase after that coveted throw from one of the celebrity riders,” said Jeff Ehlinger, executive vice president and Louisiana president for BankPlus. “Building a strong partnership with this iconic krewe, a true symbol of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras tradition, is incredibly meaningful to all of us at BankPlus, especially for those who have cherished Endymion over the years.”
“Endymion is an iconic institution in New Orleans that exemplifies the joy of the carnival season,” said Dan Kelly, captain of Endymion and president of Beads By The Dozen. “We are looking forward to seeing all of our friends and neighbors at Samedi Gras and putting on an exciting parade for the public on the route and for those watching from home. We’re happy to partner with BankPlus to help put on these special events.”
The Samedi Gras celebration kicks off at noon, Saturday March 1, at Orleans Avenue between Carrollton and City Park Avenue. The Endymion parade begins at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at City Park and Marconi Avenue.
For those who can’t make it to the parade route or the afterparty, WVUE-TV will broadcast a live presentation of the parade and Extravaganza on March 1, from 8:00-11:00 p.m.
About BankPlus
Founded in 1909, BankPlus is one of the Southeast’s premier regional banks serving consumers and businesses with the latest technology through a full suite of financial services, including retail banking, commercial banking, mortgage lending and wealth management. With over $7.9 billion in total assets, BankPlus operates 84 financial centers throughout Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida.
