SLIDELL, La. — Carnival is a community effort that spans Lake Pontchartrain. At Pope John Paul II High School in Slidell, Mardi Gras Day came early.
“I’ve been working on this one for the whole month. So, this one is my masterpiece," Mallory Saladino said about her Dolly Parton inspired coconut.
Around 200 coconuts were given to Art Teacher, Dana Nicholls, who makes costumes for the Zulu Court with her family.
“They’ve been making Mardi Gras costumes for over 50 years, and one of our clients is Mr. Johnny Williams, who is a duke in Zulu," Nicholls said, “He is the one who put all this together and we’re really grateful for it cause the students have an opportunity to participate in this historic New Orleans event. And an opportunity to spread their artwork within the community.”
“It’s really exciting knowing that I was a part of that parade," Aubrey Williams said.
The students use paint, blow dryers, glue, jewels and glitter.
“Anybody can put whatever they want on them, but we all have to put Zulu 2023 on them," Saladino said.
If you're lucky enough to get your hands on one this Mardi Gras, the students have a few things they want you to know.
“The feeling of getting a coconut is so rewarding cause like everybody wants a coconut," Lucy Degan said, “It’s special to me that they caught it. And I really hope they like it.”
“I put a lot of effort into him, and I hope whoever catches him enjoys him," Henry Dutreix said.
“I want everyone to know, whoever catches a coconut, to know that it was made with love," Saladino said, “It’s a little souvenir from New Orleans and from Pope.”