SLIDELL, La. — The all-female Krewe of Selene will be rolling down the streets of Slidell tonight, celebrating their 25th anniversary. This year's theme: 25 years of Women Empowering Women. It will be one to remember for the krewe but especially for this year's Queen, Nicole Salvaggio.
"As a charter member, it makes it really special for me," said Salvaggio.
Since the beginning, Salvaggio has been a part of the growing Krewe of Selene. With the organization throughout the years, she has been an active presence in the community. She said the relationships she has built have made her into the woman she is today.
She said, "It's been amazing I have done this longer than I've done anything in my life. Longer than I lived at my parents, longer than I've been married. I've had two kids since I've been in Selene."
Tonight, she will be wearing a crown and a beautifully beaded gown as she rides through the traditional parade route in Slidell. When it was announced that she would be queen, she had the support of many little minds and educators.
"I'm a school bus driver for the St. Tammany Parish School Board. My kids and my parents have been ecstatic. The principles and the teachers have been wonderful," said Salvaggio.
This year's theme, women empowering women, will be showcased throughout the 25 floats that will roll.
"Like Lucille Ball, Diana Ross, Irma Thomas, Rosie the Riveter and so much more," said Dayna Coslan, the parade chairwoman.
the krewe also decided to have 11 grand marshals, honoring the women who take this year's theme to a whole another level.
Coslan said, "We have representatives from every single branch, and they are so empowering serving our country."
Selene signature throws are hand-decorated purses by each rider and new light-up throws. This year they are going all out.
"Over 10,000 purses have been made for Selene this year," said Salvaggio.
"A lot of light-up stuff, we have a lot of new throws like cute little make-up bags, playing cards, we have a little cute little compact mirror," Coslan said.
Everyone will be set and ready to roll at 6:30 PM. Salvaggio said you do not want to miss it.
"You can expect record-breaking crowds this year with it being our 25th anniversary, it's going to be an epic year for us," she said.