[StBernard] St. Bernard Irish-Italian-Islenos Community Parade & Marching Club Sunday, April 3

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard Irish-Italian-Islenos Community Parade & Marching Club Sunday,
April 3

10th anniversary parade to feature 2,000 riders on 45 floats

Pre-Parade Dance open to the public Friday, April 1 from 7 to 11 p.m. at
Sigur Center

 

The St. Bernard Irish-Italian-Islenos Community Parade and Marching Club -
celebrating its 10th anniversary - will roll through the streets of Arabi
and Chalmette on Sunday, April 3 with 2,000 riders on 45 floats throwing the
traditional cabbage and produce along with beads.

 

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. with the men of the marching club handing
out cane flowers throughout the route. The floats will follow at noon. The
parade begins and ends at the Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. It will
travel west to Schnell Drive in Arabi where it will make a U-turn and travel
east to Campagna Drive in Chalmette. From there, it will turn and head west
on Judge Perez Drive. 

 

This year's royalty is Parish President Craig P. Taffaro, Jr. as the king
and Schools Superintendent Doris Voitier as the queen.

 

In addition to the traditional carnival parade catches, Parade President
Chad O'Neil said the floats will be loaded with produce, cabbage, carrots,
onions, potatoes as well as apples, oranges, lemons, limes and more. O'Neil
said he expects that 250,000 to 300,000 pounds of produce will be thrown
this year. 

 

O'Neil, who will ride in the captain's float along with the other parade
officers, including his wife Melissia, said what makes this parade special
is that it is focused on the family with entire families riding together.
His two daughters, Olivia, 11, and Gabriella, 8, ride with he and his wife
as well.

 

The pre-parade dance Friday, April 1 recognizing the king, queen and 18
princesses is open to the public. It will be from 7 to 11 p.m. in Sigur
Center Grand Ballroom at 3220 Jean Lafitte Parkway in Chalmette. The attire
is dressy casual. Beer, wine and set-ups will be provided. Tickets are $25
and can be purchased at the door or ahead of time by call O'Neil at
504-442-1006.

 

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