Krewe of Highland Names 2018 Grand Marshal

The Krewe of Highland parade is set to roll this Sunday, February 11, 2018 through the historic Highland area in Shreveport and in honor of the parade, they've named this year's grand marshal!

The parade kicks off at 2pm and this year's theme is 'Game of Throws!'

Nothing makes me happier than to see area krewes recognize locals for their contributions to our community. The Krewe of Highland has named Johnnie Allen with Overton Brooks VA Medical Center as this year's grand marshal. This announcement comes on the heels of the Krewe of Gemini naming local Elaine Ramoz their grand marshal, honoring her for her work with the Special Olympics of Northwest Louisiana. 

Here's what Jada Durden, Captain of the Krewe of Highland has released about this weekend's festivities:

Historic Highland Neighborhood – The Krewe of Highland has officially announced that Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (OBVAMC) will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2018 parade. OBVAMC will be represented by their 2016 Volunteer of the Year, Mr. Johnnie Allen. Mr. Allen has given over 1000 hours of his time delivering  meals and driving veterans to appointments and errands.

"The Krewe of Highland recognizes Overton Brooks VA Hospital as a cornerstone of the Highland Neighborhood. The VA's mission statement, 'Overton Brooks VA Medical Center will honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being' is embraced by the Krewe of Highland. Both staff and clients at Overton Brooks call Highland home. Our centralized location make us the intermediary whenever traversing the  Ark-La-Tex" said Krewe of Highland Founder and President, Matthew Linn.

"We, the Krewe of Highland, salute our women and men who have served in our armed forces as well as those who take care of them once returned home. Thank you for proudly serving our country and thank you for defining who we strive to become" Linn also said.

The Krewe of Highland parade rolls on Sunday, February 11, 2018 beginning at Gilbert Drive and Gregg Avenue. It will continue north up Gilbert Drive west on Gladstone Blvd., north on Creswell Avenue, east on Herndon Street, south on Highland Avenue, east on Olive Street, south on Centenary Blvd, back to Gladstone heading west, and ending at Gilbert Drive. and Gladstone Blvd. It is made up of a combination of huge, colorful floats and quirky, homemade mini-floats, as well as numerous marching groups and bands. The parade route is three miles in length and more than 100 units are expected to be included.

 

HIGHLAND EVER AFTER GRAND BAL MASQUE XXIII:

Highland Ever After Grand Bal Masque XXIII is set for Friday, February 9, 2018 and will include MCs Crystalyn Whitaker and David Beverly. DJ Stan Francis will be on the ones and twos and live music from bands, Tipsey and Ouro Boar. Multiple cash bars and heavy hors d'oeuvres from SALT Restaurant will be provided as well.

Naughty and nice fairy tale costumes are strongly encouraged. Cocktail attire and masks are required for those not in costumes.

General admission is $50 for Krewe of Highland members and $65 for guests. Tickets are available online at highlandeverafter.eventbrite.com or can be purchased at the door for $55 and $70 with check or credit/debit cards only. The official invitation is attached.

 

SPONSORSHIPS:

Sponsorship packages from $300-$1200 are also available with the Krewe. Packages include bal tickets, logo on the official Krewe of Highland banner, and other perks. For more information, visit http://www.thekreweofhighland.org/sponsorships/or contact King XXIII Bill McGill wemcgill@hotmail.com or Co-Captain XXIII Holly Roca hollyroca@kw.com.

 

ABOUT THE KREWE OF HIGHLAND:

For more than 20 years, the mission of the Krewe of Highland continues: to bring people from all over the community – residents and visitors – into Highland on a fun-filled day, and to bring neighbors out to meet each other.

The Krewe is known for its adults only masquerade bal and unique, family-friendly Sunday parade experience in the streets of the historic Highland neighborhood featuring throws of hot dogs, ramen noodles, moon pies and more.