The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies from Wisconsin will join the 610 Stompers in the Thoth parade on Sunday, February 19. On November 21, 2021, a man intentionally drove an SUV onto the parade route and struck 68 different people in all. Six people were killed, including four affiliated with the Dancing Grannies.

Milwaukee Dancing Grannies. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies.

As of publication, 17 members of the organization will perform this year, doing their traditional routines immediately behind the Stompers on the route. The Grannies will also take time to hand out “Granny Strong” wristbands along the route to raise awareness and solidarity for the tragedy. Member Betty Streng suffered a traumatic brain injury in the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy and will also be marching in Thoth.

Ordinary men with extraordinary moves, the 610 Stompers’ mission is to “return the ordinary man to the glory of dance.” They regularly dance for dozens of charities, helping raise money for organizations like Roots of Music, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Deutsches Haus and many others.

The 2023 Krewe of Thoth parade will start at the intersection of Prytania and Napoleon Avenue, where the parade will turn north (left). The Krewe of Thoth will follow Napoleon north until St. Charles Avenue, where the parade will turn east (right). The krewe will follow St. Charles all the way to Lee Circle, around the circle and back on St. Charles northward to Canal Street. At Canal, the parade turn southeast (right) and proceed to the intersection of Canal and Tchoupitoulas Street, the parade will turn south (right) on Tchoupitoulas. The krewe continues on Tchoupitoulas St. and ends when it reaches Poydras St.

Founded in 1947, the Krewe of Thoth is named for the Egyptian Patron of Wisdom and Inventor of Science, Art and Letters. The krewe’s original parade route was designed to serve people who were unable to attend other parades in the city. It passed in front of 14 institutions that cared for people with disabilities and illnesses. Now with over 1900 riders and 39 floats, Thoth continues with a unique route passing in front of the Children’s Hospital and several extended healthcare facilities.

Among Thoth’s throws are 3D die-cut metallic necklaces, stuffed polar bears and many varieties of specialized doubloons.

The man responsible for the tragedy, Darrell Brooks Jr. was sentenced to six life terms plus 700 years for first-degree intentional homicide.

Click here to learn more about the 610 Stompers or here to learn more about the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies.