Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana was formed in 1986 by a group
of community leaders, including Ann Monlezun. Rebecca Moss has
been involved in the organization for 13 years, serving as parade chair
and secretary and on the executive board for
the last 11 years. Most people don’t understand
the amount of work that goes into putting
on this festival every year.
Th e nonprofi t organization is strictly made
up of volunteers. Th ere are approximately 65
members of MGSW, called “Green Jackets”
aft er the green blazers they wear at events.
“We put together one of the largest festivals
in our area,” Moss says. “We are the second
largest Mardi Gras celebration in the state, and
put on events, parades, etc. for our
community to enjoy. We even have
a Mardi Gras ball that includes our
FEBRUARY 24, 2020 • MARDI GRAS SOUTHWEST • 05
special needs community. A family-friendly Mardi Gras is
our true goal. “
As the secretary of MGSW, Moss helps run each event,
prepares the agendas, takes the minutes of each meeting and
handles all media requests.
“I schedule the meetings for the year as well as send out
meeting reminders through social media as well as emails,”
she continues. “As a member of the executive board, I
help to maintain the integrity of MGSW and help in the
decision-making for our organization, as well as help to
keep things running smoothly. Our executive board works
together on many aspects of planning and development.”
Moss is the car show chair and puts it on each year on
the weekend of 12th Night. “I plan, organize and run it in
its entirety, fi elding all planning and registration, as well as
implementation of the event,” she explains.
A lot goes into her position as parade chairman, as there
are SEVEN current parades. Moss says she starts very early
in the year, meeting with city offi cials, law enforcement and
public works.
“We meet several times a year to make sure every aspect
of our festival will run safely,” she says. “Safety is our fi rst
and foremost concern. Th rough the next several months,
I have individual meetings with various sectors of our city
to make sure we are all prepared. I fi eld all media calls for
interviews and updates. In the years with possible weather
issues, I meet with emergency preparedness teams to plan
accordingly.”
As MGSW events near, Moss registers all entries for each
parade. “Next, I compile a list of compliances that law enforcement
requires for each parade. It takes several volunteers
to line up the parades and maintain the staging area as
well as the line-up area.”
Aft er each parade, a full reporting is required, along with
aft er-action meetings. “We make sure that all drivers are
sober,” Moss says. “We have a zero tolerance rule due to it
being a tourist event. Our safety measures are some of the
highest. Th ere are many details that come into play prior to
any parade ever being run.”
If that isn’t enough, Moss also organizes the public camping
area at the Civic Center, creates and issues all permits,
completes mapping and maintains the area for the week of
festival. Th ere are many safety protocols there as well.
“I also contract, schedule and make sure the Carnival runs each year
as well,” she continues. “All things that may arise with MGSW I usually
tend to with the help of the executive board. Planning our event is truly
a year-round job.”
Th e annual Mardi Gras celebration does not get any monetary help
from the City. “Our festival uses the funds from each event that has entry
fees, and we receive a grant from the Convention Center and Visitors
Bureau,” Moss says. “We also look to our community for monetary
or in-kind donations.”
Above all, Moss would like everyone to know that every person
helping to put the festival together is a volunteer. “Th ere are NO PAID
positions,” she emphasizes. “Please have patience and respect for those
volunteering their time to help make our festival the best it can be.
Also, everyone can come help, volunteer and get involved!”
Rebecca Moss