Mardi Gras party provides Christmas for needy kids
The Mardi Gras season is upon us, and those who want to partake in the party don’t even have to make a trip to New Orleans or the Gulf Coast.
The Laurel Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 2 — the Krewe of Blue — will be bringing all the fun and festivities right to The City Beautiful in its annual Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday evening at 6:30. Laurel will be awash in the colors of Carnival season — green, purple and gold — on Saturday.
Revelers can expect plenty of colorful floats, the crowd-favorite “Boogie Bus” and plenty of family fun downtown. Sponsored by Bok Homa Casino, parade floats will be filled with beads, moon pies, doubloons and other throws for the crowds.
“The proceeds from the parade go to one of the longest-running programs — Shop with a Cop,” said Lt. Jake Driskell of the Jones County Sheriff’s Department said. “Every year, we get kids together that are either victims of crimes, come from low-income families, maybe a parent lost a job or have been affected negatively …. recommended by the officers for the event.
“That all goes to help bring a little bit of Christmas into the lives of many children who might not have a very happy holiday. It’s always fun for us because we get to interact with the kids, and they can see that we are always going to be there to protect and serve them and the community.”
Local FOP President Layne Bounds is proud of all the programs that have benefitted, but none more than “Shop with a Cop.” That is always his favorite event of the year.
“We have the longest-running Shop with a Cop program in the country,” Bounds said. “The officers compile a list of children that may have been affected by a crime, lost a parent or home or have seen or been affected by so many horrible things that they shouldn’t have to at such a young age. It makes all the work we do worthwhile when we get to take the kids to Walmart and let them pick out a few toys, clothes or whatever they want.”
For Bounds, there is one thing that keeps them coming back.
“It’s the smiles,” he said. “You just can’t beat those smiles. That is a special feeling when you can bring a little joy into their lives. There is nothing like that.”
Bounds also gave praise to the local businesses and organizations that assist with their major fundraisers each year.
“Without them, none of this would really be possible, and it’s very special to see the happiness and joy that everyone has at the Mardi Gras parade,” he said. “It’s always a fun time.”
The Mardi Gras Parade will roll through town starting at 6:30 p.m., on Saturday and will follow the usual Christmas parade route through town. Organizers said parade-goers should don their flashiest Mardi Gras attire — masks, boas, glasses — to “glam it up” and “have some fun.” Attendees are encouraged to wear Mardi Gras colors and bring a tote bag to “hold all the treasures” they’ll catch.
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