Bayou Mardi Gras Parade to roll with Nungesser as Grand Marshal
Published 9:35 am Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Mardi Gras season is slated to kick off in the coming days, and New Iberia’s Bayou Mardi Gras Parade has named its grand marshal for this year’s event.
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser will be serving as this year’s grand marshal and leading the dozens of floats that will roll in downtown New Iberia on Feb. 2 beginning at 2 p.m.
Mike Wattigny with the Bayou Mardi Gras Association said Nungesser was chosen as this year’s honoree due to his longstanding support for Louisiana culture.
“Nungesser joins the ranks of previous grand marshals who are recognized for their contributions to Louisiana and Iberia Parish,” Wattigny said.
Previous grand marshals include Andy Soileau and David Wormser, who were instrumental in planning and organizing the Andalusia Mardi Gras Parade in New Iberia before it was shut down and replaced by the Bayou Mardi Gras Parade.
Other previous grand marshals include former Gov. Kathleen Blanco, Mayor Freddie DeCourt, former Speaker of the House Taylor Barras and UL Lafayette head football coach MIchael Desormeaux.
“Lt. Governor Nungesser was chosen for his endless love and promotion of Louisiana, as well as his support of the Bayou Mardi Gras Association Parade,” Wattigny added. “In addition to participating in the parade, he has supplied the parade with the official ‘Louisiana Float’ on several occasions, carrying the parade Honorary Grand Marshals.”
Sponsors for this year’s parade includes the City of New Iberia, Arceneaux Ford and Musson Patout Automotive Group. The two dealerships have partnered together to keep the parade rolling, which is “a testament to the dedication of both companies’ commitment to the community,” according to the Bayou Mardi Gras Association.
Both dealerships will provide vehicles and drivers who will pull the parade floats for the event.