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LAPLACE — Celebrating five years in 2023, The Krewe of Dagé will roll through the streets of LaPlace with 25 rental floats, a live band, horses, dance teams and visiting queens beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, February 19.

The parade will maintain its traditional route down Main Street, turning right onto West Fifth Street, down Hemlock, crossing Airline Highway to Carrollwood Drive, taking a right onto Greenwood, and finally continuing down Fairway.

No route changes or impacts are expected as a result of the Carrollwood Drive Rehabilitation project.

The Krewe of Dagé’s impact has grown by leaps and bounds since it was founded in August 2018, according to member Jean Stewart. There is currently a 15-group waiting list to join the annual parade, and the group’s Mardi Gras Soiree scheduled for February 4 at 321 Events in LaPlace quickly sold out.

Guided by the motto “Education is key,” the organization has also made an impact with youth across the River Parishes. Last year, Krewe of Dagé presented four $1,500 scholarships to 2022 recipients Logan L. Oubre and Ashton Mykel Borden of St. James High School, DoMonique A. Warren of NOCCA, and Anahja W. Hickerson of Hahnville High School.

According to Stewart, a selection committee made up of retired and current schoolteachers reviewed applications for criteria including ACT scores, GPA, extracurricular activities and community service.

“We will be giving out four scholarships again this year, and the information will be available on our Krewe of Dagé Facebook page,” Stewart said. “Hopefully this is something we will be able to continue and grow.”

The Krewe of Dagé extends the opportunity for a young lady to ride in the parade each year and represent the organization at the Mardi Gras Soiree through the annual Queens contest.

Also in 2022, the Krewe of Dagé sponsored two books for children who attended the book signing for “My Roots are Rich,” by Nyla Choates, a young author with local connections.

Moving into 2023, Stewart said the Krewe of Dagé also plans to partner with Melynie Wright, founder of local nonprofit Louisiana Splash and Water Safety, to sponsor swimming lessons for underprivileged children this summer.

“I most enjoy being part of this group because of the focus on kids and education. It’s something we look forward to,” Stewart said.

The full River Parishes Mardi Gras line-up includes the following, according to the River Parishes Tourist Commission:

• Saturday, Feb. 18 at noon – Krewe of Lul, Luling
• Saturday, February 18 at noon — Krewe of Tohwahpahsah, Reserve
• Sunday, February 19 at 11 a.m. — Krewe of Dagé, LaPlace
• Sunday, February 19 at 1 p.m. — Krewe of Des Allemands Parade, Des Allemands
• Tuesday, February 21 at 1 p.m. — Krewe of M.A.C., Gramercy