By LEONARD GRAY

LAPLACE – The Krewe du Monde is looking for a few good people. Well, a LOT of good people, to help carry on the tradition of St. John the Baptist Parish’s largest outdoor event.

The original St. John Parish Carnival parade was that mounted by the Krewe of Allovus in 1966 and backed by the LaPlace Recreation and Youth Organization (LARAYO). However, the parade only lasted through 1972, and Allovus continued only as an organization which puts on a carnival ball.

However, a group of Jaycees were determined to carry on with a parade and so was established the Krewe du Monde in 1974. Local attorney and former state senator Ron Landry was drafted as grand marshal with $500 and a handful of borrowed costumes. The first king was district judge Thomas Malik.

After the Jaycees disbanded, a private group continued with du Monde, but a decision was made by that group to relinquish the name and rights to a newly-established, permanent krewe organization.

The committee includes several civic leaders, including Parish President Nickie Monica, School Superintendent Michael Coburn, Don Mintz, Parish Councilman Steven Lee, Bobby and Nancy Aucoin, Mike and Cindy Scioneaux, Sheriff Wayne L. Jones, Bill and Brenda Birner and Steven Flynn.

Monica, a former du Monde duke, called his experience “such a natural high,” and is determined not to let du Monde die.

“It’s important to maintain the quality as in the past,” Monica said. The new krewe says they will begin small and build on each success. “We’re working to have a good parade this year, and everything else will fall into place.”

Lee said meetings have been held to organize the new krewe, which will be more open to the public and affordable to more interested people. Committee members have also met with Jefferson Parish Councilman Ed Muniz of Kenner, who established Endymion, for his ideas. Endymion is now considered a “mega-krewe” with celebrity royalty and massive floats.

However, more participation is needed. “We need floats. We need marching units,” Monica added.

Anyone interested in becoming a part of the new Krewe du Monde is urged to contact Monica’s office at 652-9569.

The 2003 edition of the parade is planned for March 2.