As Mardi Gras draws nearer, we've heard the mayor of New Orleans say multiple times that it's going to happen this year. What about in Metairie?
"We are full steam ahead planning for carnival season 2022," said Jefferson Parish Councilmember Jennifer Van Vrancken.
Van Vrancken says the great thing about parades is that they happen outdoors, where the risk of COVID transmission is much lower. Jefferson also has a vaccination rate that has hit the 60 percent range. As for masks, the only requirement will be what's already in the Jefferson parade ordinance.
"They will be masked but that will be traditional masks that are required," Van Vrancken said.
Of the nine carnival krewes based in Jefferson, two have called it off.
"Seven are going to parade this year,' Van Vrancken explained. "Pandora won't be parading on the Eastbank and Little Rascals won't be parading on the Eastbank this year, but will be back next carnival season, they've told us."
But Jefferson Parish is gaining two new parades: The Culinary Queens of New Orleans in Metairie, and the Krewe of Symphony on the Westbank.
Van Vrancken says they are also looking forward to the return of Family Gras, which this year will return to its original location on the Veterans Memorial Boulevard neutral ground off Causeway near Lakeside Mall.
