Krewe of Highland parade to be lead by Blanc et Noir Marching Society 2pm Sun, Feb 18, Creswell Ave and Centenary Blvd

The Red & Black New Orleans Style Second Line Band, Grambling
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

The Krewe of Highand parade has been designated the longest of the parades in North Louisiana, says King of the krewe, Chuck Reid.

It all began with bicycles, walkers and motley vehicles with improvised trailers. The perception of the fun involved in the parade created by Matthew Linn and cohorts was so strong that Highlanders built actual floats. A good example is the Rolie Polie float built by Bill Joyce.

Another landmark effort has been the Krewe de Bar B Kewe, a gang of jesters headed by Jeff Clark. They cook, wrap and toss hot dogs to the crowd. This year some 3000 dogs - and candy, and toys - will be flung, says Clark.

The Blanc et Noir Marching Society is new to the parade. The group of some 15 to 20 second liners has hired a brass band from Grambling called the Red & Black New Orleans Style Second Line Band. Consisting of 8 horns and 2 drummers, the band will bring the Crescent City spirit of jazz and dance to the revelers.

The route is north on Creswell to Herndon, east on Herndon, south on Centenary Blvd. Afterwards the Bluebirds will play in Columbia Park at a post-parade festival.

For info on joining Blanc et Noir, see the web site or call 318-861-6809. And pardon me if I shout Laisser les bon temps rouler.
New to the second line? Here's a second line video created for visitors to the Faces of Katrina exhibit.