Grand Marshal Jesseca Dupart, local self-made millionaire and philanthropist with over a million social media followers, carries her jeweled collar and headdress with style. (Dinah Rogers, Gentilly Messenger)
“We are rolling right through it,” laughed Dana Perry, head of the krewe’s board of directors.
Krewe of Nefertiti, named after the ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti, was established in 2018 as an all-female social aid and pleasure club, and now has 200 members. According to their website, “the women believe in cultivating the community through volunteer service, fundraising and celebration.”
The parade featured 14 floats and a half dozen marching bands from area schools. The theme of this year’s inaugural parade was, appropriately, “the Birth of Nefertiti.” Julie Greenburg reigned as Nefertiti I and local self-made millionaire and philanthropist Jesseca Dupart served as grand marshal. Beads, stuffed animals and toys, candy and snacks were throws aimed at the younger crowd. For the ladies, young and old, krewe members handed out bedazzled ear rings and glittery gold jewel boxes containing a surprise.
Float riders toss beads to the crowds lining Lake Forest Boulevard. (Dinah Rogers, Gentilly Messenger)Float riders toss beads to the crowds lining Lake Forest Boulevard. (Dinah Rogers, Gentilly Messenger)Float riders toss beads and stuffed animals to the crowds lining Lake Forest Boulevard. (Dinah Rogers, Gentilly Messenger)Drummers with the Robert Russa Moton Charter School band march down Lake Forest Boulevard. (Dinah Rogers, Gentilly Messenger)Coveted throws included jeweled and feathered earrings. (Dinah Rogers, Gentilly Messenger)Float riders toss beads to the crowds lining Lake Forest Boulevard. (Dinah Rogers, Gentilly Messenger)Janayah Marshall, 9, tries on the crown she caught. (Dinah Rogers, Gentilly Messenger)St. Mary’s Academy dance team members Quiana Clivens, left, Nya LaCabe hug to keep warm before the start of the parade. (Dinah Rogers, Gentilly Messenger)Queen Nefertiti I, Julie Greenburg of Houma, waves to the crowd lining Lake Forest Boulevard. (Dinah Rogers, Gentilly Messenger)