Community parades all about family

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, March 6, 2019

GRAND MARAIS — As residents crowded the streets of the 2019 Grand Marais Mardi Gras Parade, it was evident the parade is an event that has been and always will be about family and tradition. 

Despite cold weather Tuesday, Grand Marais Mardi Gras Parade public information officer Tina Olivier said she was happy it was a success.

“We are blessed to have more floats, more bands and more family this year,” Olivier said. “It was just a whole lot of fun for the family and friends.”

Since the 1950s, the Grand Marais Parade has been a hit with the public, despite having such small numbers.

“It was always put on by the locals,” Olivier said. “As the years have gone on over the years, the parades have become bigger and better.”

Gracelynn James, one of the parade-goers, said she came to the Grand Marais Mardi Gras Parade with her family. 

“It’s our family tradition,” James said. “We always come here and then we go to the Loreauville Parade.”

James, who has been coming for what she says is a long time, said the parade is a family affair for her.

James said it means a lot to bring her own children to the parades.

“It’s just fun to come and see the masks and seeing the floats,” James said. “They throw a lot.”

James said her favorite part of the Grand Marais Parade is watching children have fun.

“It’s always fun seeing them enjoy themselves, James said. “They really do have a great time here.”

James’ daughter, Candice, 6,  said she loves coming to the Grand Marais Parade.

“I just like it a lot,” she said. “I love catching the beads and I like to see the pretty floats they have.”

James said one thing that separates Grand Marais from other parades is the family aspect, something that Oliver says is part of the loving community.

“They embrace everyone now,” Olivier said. “Back in the day, it was a very close-knit community.”

Olivier said that as the generations have gone on, more and more people have joined the Grand Marais Parade.

“It’s just a whole lot of fun,” Olivier said. “Because they’ve been celebrating Mardi Gras since last Friday.”

It’s a celebration, according to Olivier, that goes from zero to 99 in a matter of days and it’s been like that for years.

“It’s very family oriented and it’s one of the traditions that goes on from generation to one generation to one generation,” Olivier said.

Though it may be a lot of work for her, Olivier said the parade is a culmination of all the hard work.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Olivier said. “And it’s giving back to the community that gives back to us all year long.”