It’s been almost three decades since the Bayou Classic Parade, but this Thanksgiving it’s coming back full force.
“I was told by a local float builder who was also a captain of a Mardi Gras parade that we definitely had one of the best marching band line-ups they’d ever seen,” says Jon Kardon, one of the parade’s organizers. “It’s rare to see Grambling Marching Tiger Band and Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band in the same parade. It hasn’t happened since the early ’80s. We are hoping to re-establish the Bayou Classic Parade as a traditional Thanksgiving Day parade.”
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On Thanksgiving day, the festivities will begin at 4 p.m. on Poydras by the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and will musically propel itself to the French Market on N. Peters. The Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band and the Grambling Marching Tiger Band will perform, as will the St. Augustine Marching 100, McDonogh 35, Warren Easton, St. Mary’s Academy, Xavier University Preparatory Academy, O. Perry Walker, Roots of Music Marching Crusaders, US Marine Corps Marching Band and West Jefferson.
“I think it’s going to be great for those who haven’t seen Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band or Grambling Marching Tiger Band,” Kardon says. “They are legendary for a reason. You have to see them to believe them. The drum majors, the musicianship – everything is just incredible. It’s a rare opportunity to see them on the streets.”
The parade will also feature second lines. Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club is partnering with the Bayou Classic Parade as part of their community outreach program and will contribute marching and motorized Zulu units to the parade and will be accompanied by the Rebirth Brass Band. Young Men Olympian Junior, the nation’s oldest second line organization, will be accompanied by the Hot 8 Brass Band.
“We’ve got Zulu contributing three of their walking units, and they’re going to be rolling with Rebirth,” Kardon says. “There’s a lot of hot music going on. All the high school bands are really excited about bringing back the parade and having the opportunity to participate in it, so we’re looking forward to a lot of fun and a lot of people on the street.”
The Bayou Classic Parade will also feature an array of floats including one honoring the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Riders. Santa and his elves will also be present, taking the stage at the French Market at the conclusion of the parade, hosting youth activities.
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“We’re trying to elevate the Bayou Classic and the overall experience back to the position that we think it deserves and was at prior to Katrina,” says Kardon. “The Classic, like everything else in this community, took a big hit. We are putting a concerned effort into finding ways to engage the New Orleans Community in the Classic. We would really love to rebuild the parade and bring it back to its original importance as a Thanksgiving tradition. I think by 4 o’clock, everyone’s sick of football and ready to go do something!”
The Bayou Classic Parade starts at 4 p.m. on Poydras at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and parades to the French Market. On Friday night at 7, the Battle of the Bands takes place in the Superdome, and the Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern takes place Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the Superdome. The parade is free; tickets for other events are on sale now.
