There may just be a new superkrewe in town. With seven new large floats, a growing member base and the first ever “Shorty Gras” after-party, the Krewe of Freret is cooking up something special for Mardi Gras. 

Since the Krewe’s rebirth in 2011 by seven Loyola graduates, it has sought to create a unique parade supported by local vendors and craftspeople. The krewe has become famed for its one-of-a-kind locally produced throws including the most coveted signature, the hand-decorated Mardi Gras masks. In an effort to introduce even more local New Orleans flavor, Krewe of Freret named famed local musician Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews as the parade’s official Grand Marshall, as reported by NOLA.com. 

Freret will roll on the traditional St. Charles Avenue route at 2 p.m. on February 15. Krewe Captain Bobby Hjortsberg said, “We feel like we’re in a position to make the first weekend of Mardi Gras into something it’s never been before.” 

By introducing the largest parade prop ever in the 2020 stroll, the krewe is well on its way to accomplishing that goal. An astounding two-story robotic figure of Shorty with a 20-foot working trombone slide will represent the Krewe’s devotion to New Orleans music. 

Andrews was quoted in a November press release saying, “Music is woven into the unique fabric of New Orleans Carnival, and I’m proud to join the Krewe of Freret in putting the sound of our city center stage.” 

The Freret parade will conclude with the all-new “Shorty Gras” concert ball featuring an incredible music lineup put together by Andrews himself. Hjortsberg said, “Music is an essential component of Carnival, and now we are making it a signature element of our Krewe’s identity. The Krewe of Freret will feature New Orleans music every year in our parade and at the Shorty Gras event.” 

Suffice to say, the Krewe of Freret is making an excellent case for their superkrewedom this Carnival season.