Mardi Gras parade always attracts a crowd

Sept. 26--On the evening of Oct. 27, crowds will pack the streets for one of the biggest and most popular Gateway-area traditions -- the Mardi GrasHalloween parade.

The parade was started in 1948 "to channel the energies of would-be mischief makers and keep them busy in positive, wholesome ways," explained Mardi Gras Association co-chairwoman Mary Jo Dopson.

Dopson and co-chairwoman Jean Buikema remember signing a pledge that they wouldn't vandalize, and then turning in the pledge card to get a free pumpkin.

Buikema used to be involved with Riverboat Days and helped with that parade. More than 25 years ago, she was asked to help with the Mardi Gras parade, and she's been doing it ever since.

The Clinton County Sheriff's office and the Clinton Police Department have been involved with the parade since the beginning, according to information provided by the committee, and today many law enforcement agencies in the area participate.

In addition, many of the people involved with the committee years ago came from the Sheriff's office and the courthouse, including current member Sybille Wolfe.

"We are a mini but mighty planning committee that has a lot of fun getting this annual event together," Dopson said.

The Mardi Gras Association meets once a week beginning in August to begin preparations for the October festivities, including raising funds. For three years running, Breton Williams and First Wealth Financial Group has been a major sponsor of the parade. Many other businesses and individuals in the community also contribute to help cover the expenses, including insurance, food at the coronation ceremony and the more than $1,500 in prize money given away each year.

"None of this would be possible without the wonderful personal and business donations," Dopson said. "We are forever grateful."

The Mardi Gras Association members are always brainstorming new ideas. A few years ago, they added a Halloween lighting contest to the mix. With 10 entrants in 2013, this new addition has grown each year.

Instead of the coloring contest of years past, the committee is seeking nominations for a Mini Grand Marshal (from grades kindergarten through five) and a Junior Grand Marshal (from grades six through eight.) The winners will be students "who go above and beyond (their) time and talents in the community," and will each receive a $25 gift card from Kohl's.

In addition, this year's grand marshals are Bill and Rosalee Holsclaw.

The Mardi Gras Association also is responsible for rounding up enough volunteers to make the parade happen.

"It takes about 50 people to man the parade," said Buikema, including lining up all the participants in the north end before it begins.

After all the parade entries are received, a group of committee members "strategically place people" so the music from one band isn't competing with sound from a float, and the walkers are scattered throughout the parade, Buikema explained.

The committee always is looking for new theme ideas.

"We keep a list whenever somebody tells us one," Buikema said.

So far, this year's theme of "Nightmare on 2nd Street" has been very well-received. One of Buikema's personal favorites was "Inside a Witch's Kitchen" from 10 years ago (or more.)

One oft-asked question that no one is quite sure how to answer is "Why is it called Mardi Gras?"

Over the years, there's been some talk of changing the name, Buikema said.

To the best of the committee's knowledge, the name was picked because "Mardi Gras is party time, and dress up time. Somebody came up with that 65 years ago, and it's the tradition around here."

So, for now, there are no plans to change it. If anyone knows the detailed history of the parade's name, the Mardi Gras Association would like to know.

The "rain, snow, wind or just too darn cold date" for the parade is Oct. 28. Since the parade began in 1948, only one time has the parade been completely canceled due to poor weather on both the original date and the rain date.

Entry forms for the Halloween lighting contest and the parade can be picked up at Gateway Travel or Clinton Printing, or found online at www.clintonherald.com. Lighting contest forms must be returned to the Mardi Gras Association by Oct. 14. The deadline for parade entries is Oct. 23. Forms can be mailed to 343 Fourth Ave. South, Clinton, IA 52732.

___

(c)2014 the Clinton Herald (Clinton, Iowa)

Visit the Clinton Herald (Clinton, Iowa) at clintonherald.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services