VACHERIE — Members of the Krewe of M.A.C. value the small town spirit of Mardi Gras, viewing it as an avenue to unite the community and promote youth-oriented charity.

In November 2016, a group of 15 St. James Parish residents banded together to form a new Mardi Gras Krewe, making it their mission to reinstate the tradition of good fellowship that once accompanied local parades.

Short for “Making a Change,” the Krewe of M.A.C. raises money to impact the lives of local youth through engagement, scholarship opportunities and school supply drives, according to founder Ken Brass.

The second annual Krewe of M.A.C. Mardi Gras Parade runs at 2 p.m. Feb. 13 from Golden Grove Truck Stop in Gramercy to the Lutcher Elementary School parking lot.

Line up for the parade takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a New Orleans style grand stand sitting area will be positioned in front of Lutcher High. A community prayer of peace precedes the parade at 10 a.m.

King Damian Ursin, Queen Kristina Harrison, Grand Marshall Dana Bardell, Ambassador Lydia Young, Princes Stefan Mitchel and Keiron Goudia, Princesses Gretchen Borne and Jaden Johnson and M.A.C. Baby Cali Bartholomew comprise the 2018 Royal Court.

In honor of Black History Month, the Krewe of M.A.C. is hosting a “Historians of Color Reception and Brunch” Feb. 3 at the public relations building at 1876 W. Main St. in Lutcher.

Free and open to the public, the program includes a social hour and food from 10 to 11 a.m. Following the social hour, approximately 20 black leaders hailing from St. James, St. John the Baptist and Ascension parishes will be honored.

The second annual masquerade Mardi Gras Ball takes place from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Feb. 10 at the St. James Boat Club. The event features a special proclamation presented to the West St. John High School football team and the introduction of the royal court members. Tickets are $15 per person and $125 for a table including 10 tickets.

Krewe of M.A.C. charter member Herbrena Godfrey said the inaugural parade in 2017 was small but successful and attracted the attention of businesspeople and dignitaries eager to support the Krewe’s future endeavors.

Godfrey has fond memories of seeing older people in the community sitting on porches, reaching out for beads as floats rolled past. One of her favorite visuals from the 2017 parade was seeing a little girl sitting on top of a tall stack of beads.

At that point, she knew the Krewe of M.A.C. had the potential to become a powerful movement. Godfrey believes a strong sense of unity can heal wounds of racial tension gripping society by making youth feel accepted and safe.

“Kids today are over-stimulated by everything except community,” Godfrey said.

“Growing up, Mardi Gras was one of those times where we saw our parents exhibit a strong sense of community, especially in the black community. Last year’s parade was beautiful, even if it was small. The smiles on people’s faces made all the difference.”

Brass said the inclusion of the Historians of Color Reception and Brunch forwards these efforts by drawing attention to positive role models who are products of the River Parishes, showing youth anything is possible.

Charter member Kendell Winfield said the Krewe of M.A.C. has worked diligently for months to plan the events, and he’s amazed at how much 15 people with 15 vastly different personalities have accomplished.

“It was amazing to come together as one and focus on the community,” Winfield said.

Applications to participate in the parade are available at kreweofmac.com. Through a partnership with a low cost vendor, the Krewe of M.A.C. is offering savings on well-maintained, spacious float rentals.

Float rentals range in price from $400 to $1,000 depending on the number of riders and must be decorated by the renter.

Personal floats, commercial floats for advertising, specialty vehicles, horse groups, motorcycles, support vehicles for walking groups, horses and convertibles are welcomed for a lower fee as outlined at kreweofmac.com.

Walking groups from local schools, dance teams and community organizations are admitted for free and encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit kreweofmac.com, email kjbrass06@yahoo.com or call 225-229-2492.