NEW ORLEANS — The Krewe of Cleopatra announced plans to say goodbye to its old parade route, which was beloved by members, residents, and business owners.
“We are extremely sad because we really like that route,” Krewe of Cleopatra Captain Colleen Johnson said.
Instead of kicking off at Magazine and Jefferson, the krewe will start rolling at Tchoupitoulas and Napoleon, working their way towards St. Charles.
According to Johnson, membership is growing.
“We have a lot of new members and returning members because they really just have a lot of fun. They love it,” Johnson said.
A bigger krewe calls for bigger floats, and bigger floats need bigger streets.
“We actually have a new title float, and we are also debuting a another four-unit signature float. So that's exciting for the Krewe of Cleopatra,” Johnson said.
Last carnival season, one of the krewe’s floats crashed into two different oak trees, causing a delay of over an hour for parade goers.
“It was a tough decision, but it was most important that we do that due to safety reasons,” Johnson said.
While the move is good for public safety, it’s not so good for businesses on Magazine.
“It just throws a little wrench into everything,” LeBonTempsRoule Manager Joe Bikulege said.
Joe Bikulege manages LeBonTempsRoule on Magazine and Bordeaux. He says when the Krewe of Cleopatra rolls through, so do customers.
“It’s absolutely packed,” Bikulege said.
The bar won’t be along the route next year, and he expects business to take a hit that night.
“It’s a darn good night. On a night where you have three parades like that, you make a week in one night,” Bikulege said.
Like Colleen, Joe is viewing his glass as half full because nothing can change his carnival spirit.
The Krewe of Cleopatra will roll on February 21st at 6 p.m.
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