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LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish families celebrate Mardi Gras with house parties and parades that roll down their neighborhood streets. In 2018, a group of local women decided to make the fun last a little longer.

The Krewe of Dagé exceeded all expectations when it debuted in 2019. The second annual parade will delight the community with 42 double decker floats and a grand total of almost 70 units when it rolls at 11 a.m. Feb. 23, the Sunday before Mardi Gras.

The Krewe of Dagé will trail Krewe Du Monde down its usual LaPlace route through Main Street, W. Fifth Street, Hemlock Drive, Carrollwood Avenue, Greenwood Avenue, Madewood Road and Fairway Drive.

The theme for the parade this year, “Under the Sea,” will be reflected in float design, costumes and marching groups. The famous Buffalo Soldiers, also known as the Mardi Gras Indians, will lead the parade this year, according to board member Alona McDowell.

The procession will also include the Crescent City Cowboys marching group.

Signature apple throws adorned with sparkling stones represent the Krewe of Dagé’s commitment to supporting education in St. John Parish. Dagé is a Nigerian word meaning, “to take a firm stand,” and that is exactly what board members plan to accomplish through educational scholarships.

East St. John valedictorian Cameron Cage received a $2,000 scholarship from the Krewe of Dagé in 2019. Board president Jean Stewart hopes to award two or three scholarships in 2020.

After the parade is over, the group will make a list of goals to start the 2020-2021 school year off with a bang.

“We’re working with some educators within the school system. It was teachers and an assistant principal who picked our scholarship winners last year,” Stewart said. “We also have a grand marshal, Milton Smith. He’s a bus driver who has been in the school system for over 25 years. He helped with mentoring kids and sports. He blew the whistle and signified the beginning of our Mardi Gras season.”

Nearly 600 people attended the Inaugural Krewe of Dagé Carnival Ball Saturday night at the St. John Community Center, signaling a spark of community interest that won’t dull anytime soon.

Dr. Brittani McClain Breaux was crowned Krewe of Dagé Queen during the event. The First Maid was Genean Marie Zeno-Bailey, and the Second Maid was Chelsea Andrea Cola.

“We’re really excited because it’s bigger than last year. It’s only our second year, and it’s growing already,” Stewart said. “It exceeded our expectations. More people are calling, and more people want to participate in the parade and the ball. I can only see us growing from here.”

McDowell is excited to deliver more Mardi Gras fun to the children of St. John.

“I think more and more people are going to come out,” she said, adding she has friends, family and coworkers traveling from Jefferson and Orleans Parish to attend the LaPlace parade.

The Feb. 23 parade features music, marching groups and several visiting queens. For more information or to get involved, please refer to Krewe of Dagé on Facebook or Instagram.