Krewe of Centaur ready to roll Saturday rain or shine; KTBS 3 Parade Tracker available

SHREVEPORT, La. - You're invited to join the Krewe of Centaur on a Mystical Vacation. That's the theme of this weekend's  XXXII Mardi Gras parade. Centaur rolls through Shreveport Saturday, Feb. 3, beginning at 2:45 p.m. It promises to be an unforgettable and epic experience that you don't want to miss. Be sure and keep an eye out for this year's specialty throws!

RELATED CONTENT:

• Exclusive KTBS 3 Parade Tracker
• KTBS MEGA 3 Storm Team’s Parade Day Forecast
• Mardi Gras in the ArkLaTex

Ricky Bridges served as Captain. Kole Caston reigned as King Centaur XXXII and Queen Centaur XXXII was Kelly Dick. Read more about the Captain, King, and Queen later in this article. Click here for a look at the entire royal court. 

This year's grand marshal is Stacy Brown. She has been president of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau since 2000 and extensive experience in the travel and tourism industry. She is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in marketing and minor in management.

PARADE HIGHLIGHTS

This is Centaur's 32nd parade. Close to 100 groups are participating including dozens of floats and mini floats. The Krewe of Centaur is one of the LARGEST single parading krewes in the state of Louisiana and puts on the biggest Mardi Gras parade in North Louisiana. Composed of over 500 members, Centaur is what's called a "super krewe". That's a distinction earned by having more than 500 members. There are only a handful of super krewes in the state.

In a single Centaur parade, participants will throw over 180,000 cups; over 2 million beads; 100,000 doubloons; 20,000 lighted beads; and 43,000 specialty items like koozies, stuffed animals, footballs, toys, and flashing trinkets. Krewe members also have several special items they are throwing this year.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

According to numbers released by the Caddo Parish Commission, the direct economic impact of Mardi Gras parades in Shreveport was estimated to be more than $9 million. Adding indirect spending, the total economic impact was estimated to be more than $16 million.

The Krewe of Centaur was organized in 1991. The Krewe is bound together by the common goals of building a better community and the pursuit of good family fun. The krewe is known for its community outreach, making about 35 visits to various facilities leading up to the parade.

The Krewe of Centaur parade draws between 300,000 and 500,000 spectators each year along the 5½ mile parade route.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers from the Shreveport Police Department work to keep the public safe and ensure a good time is had by all.

PARADE ROUTE

This year’s parade route is a familiar one to most. The massive parade proceeds along Shreveport’s parade route, which follows Clyde Fant Parkway south from downtown Shreveport, turns right onto Shreveport-Barksdale Highway and ends in the Broadmoor neighborhood at East Kings Highway Park.

There WILL be a hard closure of the parade route at 1 p.m. This means no traffic will be allowed on the route after that time. This is for the safety of the citizens gathering on the route. The roads will be blocked with the help of all City of Shreveport departments and agencies. The parade should roll promptly at 2:45 p.m.

PRE-PARADE

Police will close Clyde Fant Parkway from Lake Street to Shreveport-Barksdale Highway beginning at 7 p.m. Friday before the parade. Clyde Fant Parkway will then re-open to traffic at 7 a.m. on parade day so people can set up early Saturday.

Members of the public will not be allowed to set up tents or recreational vehicles nor will they be allowed to save parking spaces on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway or on the service road between Stoner Avenue and Shreveport Barksdale Highway before 7:00 am on parade day. Any stakes, flagging tape, furniture, tents, and other such items left as space markers prior to 7:00 am will be removed and discarded by police. Violators are subject to citation, tow, and removal from the parade.

Attendees planning to park in the Broadmoor area towards the end of the parade route should obey all traffic and parking signs and remember not to block residential driveways. Officers will be posted at various locations along the parade route. It is vital that emergency vehicles be able to access residential streets, therefore parking ordinances will be strictly enforced. Violator’s vehicles are subject to tow at their own expense.

The parade will begin on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway at Lake Street and run south on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway to Shreveport-Barksdale Highway, west down Shreveport-Barksdale Highway to East Kings Highway, and then south on East Kings Highway to the end of the parade route on East Preston Avenue.

Parking:

• Parking on East Kings Highway is reserved for permit holders only.
• No parking is allowed before 7:00 am on parade day on Shreveport-Barksdale Highway or the Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway. No parking is allowed at all on any neutral ground and improved roadway on Shreveport-Barksdale Highway.
• Citizens may not park in restricted areas marked with rope, cable, tape, or any other device used as a barricade.
• No parking is allowed on Captain Shreve Drive.
• Restricted parking allowed on residential streets from Albany Avenue to Patton Avenue. Some streets allow parking only on one side while other streets forbid parking. Look for parking signs and remember that the streets must remain clear for emergency vehicles. Violator’s vehicles are subject to tow at their own expense.
• Handicapped parking is available at the East Kings Highway Park, also known as the “Duck Pond”, at the Veterans Memorial Park on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway and at Atlantic Avenue at East Kings Highway. A handicap parking tag or plate will be necessary to gain access.

Parade day street closures:

• 8:30 am - Crockett Street from Spring Street to Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway.
• 8:30 am - Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway from Lake Street to Milam Street. Access to Sci-Port will be allowed until 1:00 pm via Lake Street.
• 1:00 pm - East Kings Highway (northbound and southbound) at Shreveport-Barksdale Highway to Preston Avenue.
• At 1:00 pm the following streets will close:

East Kings Highway at Preston Avenue

East Kings Highway at Youree Drive

Shreveport-Barksdale Highway (including the Shreveport-Barksdale Bridge)

Clyde Fant Parkway from Milam Street to Shreveport-Barksdale Highway,

Captain Shreve Drive, Knight Street, and Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway after the Parade turns onto East Kings Highway.

On parade day, Lake Street is permanently Closed.

Clyde Fant Parkway between East 70th Street and Shreveport-Barksdale Highway will remain open. Knight Street will remain open from East Preston Avenue to Shreveport Barksdale Highway.

Emergency Assistance:

• Over 300 officers from the Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Sheriff and Louisiana Probation and Parole will be working the parade. Officers will utilize patrol cruisers, horses, motorcycles, and foot patrols to ensure public safety. Your safety is our top priority.
• Police will utilize mounted cameras to monitor the parade route.
• Police will have mobile command buses positioned on Stoner Avenue near Clyde Fant Parkway, in the Shreve City parking lot, in the Super One Foods parking lot on Shreveport Barksdale, and on East Kings Highway.
• The Shreveport Fire Department will have EMS crews stationed throughout the parade route.

No Throw Areas:

• The staging area on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway north of Lake Street.
• The railroad tracks over Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway just north of Veteran’s Memorial Park.
• Stoner Avenue bridge over Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway.
• Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway exit to Shreveport-Barksdale Highway.
• The transitioning curve from Shreveport-Barksdale Highway to East Kings Highway
• Past the ending banner on East Kings Highway and any points thereafter.

Prohibited Items/Acts:

• No glass bottles or containers are allowed on the parade route.
• No one may cross parade barricades during the parade.
• No animals allowed within 200 yards of the parade route, except animals that are in secured yards of residents living along the parade route and service animals.
• No dangerous objects or silly string.
• No concealed carrying of a firearm.
• No one may throw anything at a parade float.
• Large flags or banners are not allowed within 50 feet of the parade route.
• No underage possession of alcohol. Violators will be arrested.
• No public nudity will be tolerated. Violators will be arrested.
• No ATV’s, side by side, dirt bikes, or any other motorized recreational vehicles are allowed on any public property along the parade route, this includes the grassy areas along Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway and city streets. Violators will be subject to citation, arrest, and towing of the vehicle.

Safety Tips:

• Do not leave children unattended! Designate a meeting place in the event you find yourself accidentally separated from your children or other family members/friends.
• Do not fight or struggle over beads.
• Keep a safe distance from the floats.
• Leave valuables at home and secure your vehicles. Keep your keys secured.
• Do not take purses or wallets to parades. Keep money, keys, and identification secured on your person.
• Extinguish hot coals after cooking. Do not dump hot coals on the grass.
• Obey all traffic signs and directions from officers.

Please exercise good common sense and treat others respectfully and in a manner you would want to be treated. Let’s have another great Mardi Gras season! If you have any questions please contact the Shreveport Police Department Special Events Office at 318-673-6941 or email at Police@ShreveportLA.gov

PARADE TRACKER

We're activating the exclusive KTBS 3 Parade Tracker once again to help make sure your Mardi Gras experience is the best ever. 

With our GPS technology, no guessing, you'll know right where the parade is along the route.

Just log onto ktbs.com from your desktop or mobile device and look for the KTBS 3 Parade Tracker once the parade rolls at 2:45 p.m. or you can watch us on-air for real-time updates on the parade's location when our live coverage begins at 5 p.m. With the KTBS 3 Parade Tracker, you won't miss any of the action.

Get the free KTBS 3 mobile app now from iTunes or  Google Play.

KTBS 3 ON-AIR & ONLINE COVERAGE

Coverage of the Krewe of Centaur parade will air from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on KTBS 3, KTBS 3.3, KTBS.com and all of your KTBS 3 Now connected devices. An abbreviated, one-hour special of the parade coverage will air from 10 p.m. until 11 p.m. Saturday on KPXJ CW 21.

LET’S SEE YOUR PHOTOS & VIDEO

If you'll be at the parade, we want to see your photos. Just email them to pics@ktbs.com or use #KTBSMardiGras on social media.

Captain Centaur XVII Ricky Bridges

A devoted life of service, Captain Ricky Bridges served his community as a law enforcement officer for 42 years, retiring August 1st, 2023. He enjoys leisure time with family, friends, fishing, and all things Centaur. In June of 1999, he and his wife of 40 years, Dana, were recruited to join the Mighty Krewe of Centaur. Through the years, Ricky has devoted countless hours to the organization and its involvement within the community. Both he and Dana fell in love with the Krewe of Centaur and all it represents, volunteering their time since day one. In 2009, Ricky was elected King XVIII and following, Ricky settled in as the Krewe’s Bead Chairperson. Captain Ricky has served on or with the Board of Directors consistently for the past 13 years. In 2019, Ricky was elected Centaur Captain XVII and served in that role for three consecutive years. He was nominated and subsequently elected once again in 2023 as Captain XIX, to lead the organization exclaiming, “there’s more work I would like to do.”

Captain Ricky continues to lead honorably through transparency, instinct, and resolve in some of the most difficult of times. There’s nothing “grand” about Ricky—just an ability to make things meaningful, setting aside personal gain and agendas for the greater good of this wonderful organization. He is eager to meet any challenge head on and ready to lead those willing to follow on the most righteous of paths. Through adversity, conviction, and many challenges, Captain Ricky has remained steadfast this year keeping with the traditions of Centaur and its success at the forefront within our community. He has selflessly worked countless hours with state and local officials ensuring that the parade will continue to play a pivotal part of the Mardi Gras celebration. Effectively wading past the many obstacles that lie before Centaur, Captain Ricky helped lead the charge to ensure the historic celebration of Mardi Gras would continue here in the Ark-La-Tex. To paraphrase John Maxwell: “A Pessimist will complain about the wind while the Optimist expects it to change. A great Leader however will simply adjust his sail.” Captain Ricky portrays characteristics that exemplify him among many and his passion for Centaur is like no other. Captain

Ricky gives credit for his success and accolades bestowed upon him to the most important people in his life—his immediate family members whom he is forever grateful. Their unwavering support this past year has helped attribute to his personal success. Captain Ricky would ALSO like to recognize the following: the Centaur Board of Directors for their individual committee accomplishments and responsible governance; the Centaur Float Lieutenants for their leadership and participation throughout the year; the 2024 Royal Court who has represented the Krewe of Centaur with great reverence, grace, and style; and the Krewe of Centaur Membership that never ceases to amaze with your giving spirit—their enthusiasm for this great organization, love, and support for this community is unmatched. The many talents on display proves that the Krewe of Centaur is blessed beyond words. “ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY KREWE CENTAUR”

King Centaur XXXII Kole Caston

King Kole Caston was born in Mansfield, LA, and graduated from Central Christian Academy in Grand Cane in 2005. Kole then went on to study Science & Business Management where he took on a position in the Oil & Gas industry. Kole maintains his career as a Senior Manager of Quality Assurance for Centric Pipe, which is based out of Dallas, TX. He has assisted the company to grow since its formation in 2014, which included operational start-ups in Bossier City, LA in 2014, Ore City, TX in 2019, and expansions into Houston, TX.

During his early years, Kole volunteered his time with the Shreveport Bossier City Rescue Mission and fed those in need during Thanksgiving and Christmas at the Shreveport First Methodist Church. He enjoys visiting historical sites and participating in paranormal investigation with local investigating groups. His hobbies include, traveling, especially to New York City, and spending time with his friends and family.

He has been a member of the Krewe of Centaur since 2018 and enjoyed his first parade in 2019. King Kole has been a rider of the Freeman Float since joining the krewe. Kole has also served on the Krewe of Centaur's Board of Directors beginning in 2020 chairing the float rentals.

Kole would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the entire Krewe of Centaur membership, Board of Directors, and Captain Ricky for honoring him as King XXXII. He is thankful to his amazon Royal Court 2024 for their support and friendship during this wonderful year for there is nothing more precious than new friendships that are formed within the krewe. He would also like to thank the Royal Court of 2023 for igniting the spark that brought him to King XXXII, for without them, he would not be standing here in front of you today.

King Kole would like to thank his mother and father, Garry and Joyce Caston. He also expresses thanks to his partner and royal consort, DeeJay Swaney. Kole is unwaveringly grateful to be a member of the mighty Krewe of Centaur and to be fortunate enough to serve as your KING! All HAIL

Queen Centaur XXXII Kelly Dick

Queen Kelly Dick was born and raised in Magnolia, Arkansas and is the daughter of Lois Cook and the late Floyd Cook. She is a 2004 graduate of Southern Arkansas University, with a degree in Nursing. She started teaching dance at sixteen and taught for over twenty years, where she had several great accomplishments during her tenure. Her dance troupes were selected to perform at Disney World in Florida and on the Disney Cruise Ship the Magic. They danced on the court of Honor at the Miss Arkansas Pageant and were monthly performers at the Columbia County Hayride. Teaching and guiding youth brought Kelly much joy and great memories. From Willis-Knighton to Christus Saint Mary and Highland hospital, she worked in the Critical Care and Emergency Room for over ten years. Her last years before retiring in 2015 was spent as the Clinical Supervisor and House Supervisor for Christus.

Not long after graduating from nursing school she relocated to Haughton, LA. Kelly has been married to her husband Jimmy Dick for twelve years and together they have five grown children (Tyler, Kristen, Hunter, Bailee & Makenzie) and six wonderful grandchildren (Colt, Keegan, Jewel, Jeremiah, Emma & Sutton). In her spare time she loves spending time with her grandbabies, attending all their many activities, crafting and traveling with her husband. In 2016 Kelly and her daughter, Kristen, opened Silhouette Salon with This Nurse located in Haughton. They have a full service salon with four stylists. Kelly offers services in Permanent Cosmetics and Eyelash Extensions.

Kelly joined the Krewe of Centaur in 2016 and rode on the Nechvatal float, now the Brown float. Being part of the Krewe has had so many memorable moments. If you know Kelly you know she loves anything Mardi Gras!! She is currently serving on the Golf Committee and the Events Committee. Giving back to our communities and making a difference in people’s lives is her passion! “Each of us can make a difference, but together we can make a change.” She is the current president of a non-profit called the Ladies of 798. Their mission is to give back to communities by reaching across America with our Spirit to Serve.

Kelly would like to say thanks to the Krewe of Centaur family for allowing her to represent them as their Queen Centaur XXXII. It has truly been the most humbling honor and privilege to serve the greatest Krewe in the state of Louisiana! A big thank you to her float family for all of their love and support! She would like to thank her King Centaur XXXII, Kole Caston, for taking this journey with her. Your friendship has been priceless and she can’t imagine having taken this incredible ride with anyone else. To her Royal Court 2024, Thank you, Thank you!! You are such an amazing group and it has been such an honor to have spent this year with you and create friendship that hopefully will last a lifetime.

To a very special lady that made this year happen from your nomination, encouragement, love and support. You are truly the Best and I am so honored to call you my friend! Much love from the bottom of my heart goes to you Dana!!

Most importantly, Kelly would like to express her love and gratitude to her husband Jimmy! Thank you for your love and patience with all things Mardi Gras in our life right now! Thank you for being the Best Husband/Consort, but most of all for being my best friend and biggest fan. None of this would have been possible without your love and support!

Click here for a look at the entire royal court.