Let’s hope for good weather this year for Endymion, which has battled rainy weather in recent years, but is once again making history this year. The krewe will unveil a huge new super float paying tribute to the beloved Pontchartrain Beach amusement park. It measures more than 330 feet and will carry 230 riders, with high-tech lighting and design elements. Barry Kern of Mardi Gras World and Kern Studios calls it the most technologically advanced float in history. It’s nothing new for Endymion, which has developed into one of the biggest and best krewes in Carnival. Founded in 1967 as a small neighborhood krewe, Endymion has become one of the must-see super krewes. In fact, under the leadership of founding captain Ed Muniz, it is now the largest krewe in all of Carnival, with over 2,700 members. This year’s parade theme is Ancient Mysteries. In addition to the three dozen or so floats expertly designed by Henri Schindler and the team at Blaine Kern studios, look for the elaborate costumes worn by the maids and the massive signature floats like the Captain Eddie’s S.S. Endymion, one of the longest floats in Carnival. The celebrity guest this year is singer Kelly Clarkson. She and other musical acts will be featured at the post-parade Extravaganza, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The pre-parade Samedi Gras festival on Orleans Avenue will also feature lots of local music.
