Since its introduction beginning with six floats, the Mardi Gras parade has added two new floats in the last couple of years, and they hope to expand in the future.
One of the twice daily Mardi Gras parades is seen at the Big E last week.WEST SPRINGFIELD – The beads.
The music.
The floats.
It’s Mardi Gras.
A staple to the Big E fair since its introduction in 2000, the Mardi Gras parade brings New Orleans to New England. The custom-made floats included in the Mardi Gras parade were designed and built by Blaine Kern Studios of New Orleans.
“We chose them because they are the authentic builders of the floats featured in the Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans. It adds an incredible sense of excitement and intrigue,” said John Juliano, the special events director for the Big E since 1988. “Our goal is to bring Mardi Gras to New England and give those who have never had the opportunity to actually go, an authentic experience.”
Since its introduction beginning with six floats, the Mardi Gras parade has added two new floats in the last couple of years, and they hope to expand in the future. Production of the floats takes about eight to 10 people.
Since the floats are made in New Orleans, they have a long way to travel before taking the fairgrounds by storm.
“They ship here on flat bed tractor trailers” said Juliano, who added that it’s a sight to be seen as they make their way down the streets of West Springfield. “Once they arrive they have to put the props on the foundation and a local artist from Agawam touches them up” he said.
The floats included in the parade are the Boeuf Gras (Fatted Calf), Island Party, Caribbean Carnival, Carnival in Rio, Carneval di Venice, Mardi Gras New Orleans, as well as their African-themed and Patriotic floats. While all different, the thematic influence throughout most of the floats is European. Completing the floats with their New Orleans/Mardi Gras flair are the costumes and the music, with one float even including a live band.
The beaded necklaces are the most anticipated souvenirs tossed into the crowds throughout the parades are also shipped from New Orleans; truly cementing Big E attendees with an authentic Fat Tuesday seal of approval.
The Mardi Gras parade is sponsored by Mohegan Sun Casino. It runs daily; Mondays through Fridays at 1 and 8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 5 p.m.
With activities to suit everyone’s fancy, other main attractions to be featured at this year’s Big E include concerts, the debut of a brand new exhibit called “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” and the Big E Super Circus.
For more information on The Big E, visit www.masslive.com/the-big-e