In August 2023 Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux was heavily criticized by the Mardi Gras Krewes and others when he changed the start and completion times of Mardi Gras parades in Shreveport.
The 2024- 2026 contracts with the Krewes of Centaur and Gemini for their parades require a starting time to begin at 2:45 p.m. and an ending time of 7 p.m. The changes were made to improve visibility and safety at the parades.
A practical reality is that the earlier starting and ending times reduce alcohol consumption along the parade route. Overconsumption generally leads to problems in the crowds.
Saturdays’ Centaur parade had two reported problems that have somewhat tarnished what was an excellent parade with very limited criminal activity. One of the instances involved alcohol. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor in the other incident.
Good government often necessitates decisions that are unpopular with many although needed for the overall good. The change in parades is an excellent example, and the mayor is to be commended for this action.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.