If there is any possible reason to parade, New Orleanians will seize on it and make it happen. When Brian Kern came up with a reason, he decided to take the reins of the Krewe of Boo! and make the best Halloween parade possible.
Kern was inspired to lead the Krewe of Boo! parade when he watched a front-loader scooping up plastic Mardi Gras beads after a parade. He wanted to address the bead-waste problem and he implemented his innovative idea in Boo! – float riders would throw only locally made objects like New Orleans food items or collectable pieces that parade watchers would actually want to keep after the parade as a memento.
Some of the 2015 throws include: Eco Friendly cups from Giacona Container Company (Louisiana made), Pralinettes from Aunt Sally’s (Made in New Orleans), Chee Wees from Elmer’s Fine Foods (Made in New Orleans), Candy Corn Necklaces (hand made in New Orleans), Voodoo Doll pins (hand made in New Orleans) and Doubloons redeemable for consumables at local eateries.
As part of the legendary Kern family, Brian Kern created a new dynamic to the event and has grown the parade participation every year. His discerning eye oversees the sculptural and float designs, which are made into three-dimensional fiberglass or papier mache props. Kern Studios is the premier float building organization in America, and the Kern quality rolls in celebrations throughout the world.
Kern has built up more than the parade, however, by adding special events before and after the krewe rolls. There are private parties for riding members, as well as events that are free or ticketed for the general public.
On Saturday, October 24 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fulton Street, there will be a free event for the public called the Krewe of Boo! King’s Party. Attendees can meet the King of this year’s parade, Sydney Torres IV, and enjoy the music of Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters as well as Amanda Shaw.
After the King’s Party, revelers will spill out on the streets of the French Quarter to watch the parade, which rolls from Elysian Fields and Decatur at 6:30 p.m.
And of course the parade is followed by a party. The Monster Mash After-Party is a ticketed event for the public (ages 21+) at the Convention Center that promises live music and fun. Costumes are required and you will dance to performers like Ivan and Ian Neville, Big Sam, Tony Hall and DJ Otto.
Come out and join the dancing krewes, float riders and revelers. And don’t forget your costume!
