Magical Krewe of MadHatters

Press Release for 2026 Season:

The Magical Krewe of MadHatters – a fantastic, whimsical blend of local musical talent, local celebrities, local charities and local businesses coming together for a celebration unmatched in the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade circuit. Without a doubt, this is the largest rolling concert…ever! The parade rolls at 5pm on Saturday, February 7th as the crescendo of the highly anticipated Family Gras celebration of Jefferson Parish.

Known for its many variations of featured “Hats” highly coveted by so many parade goers, this year’s parade will feature one of the most powerful line ups in its history. Pierre Thomas, our beloved New Orleans Saint known for scoring the first “Who Dat Nation” touchdown in the Saints “Superbowl” victory, will ride as the “MadHatter”. Our Grand Marshall will be none other than Irma Thomas, New Orleans’ own musical sweetheart…a true legend whose songs and performances are held dear by everyone…what an incredible honor! Keeping with the musical theme, Karen Waldrup, a local talent and rising country star, will be “Alice in Wonderland” and perform on her float with her own Nashville Band.

The Royal Court will ring with the familiar names of many local TV and radio celebrities. Doug Mouton and Ricardo LeCompte from WWL TV; Lucy Bustamante, Liz Reyes and Meg Gatto from Fox 8; Sula Kim along with Darryl Forges, Sharief Ishaq and Travers Mackel from WDSU TV; and Bobby Hebert, Mike Detillier and Mike Hoss from WWL sports radio…and Scoot (SOTA) himself from WWL talk radio. Kenny Berthelot, the MC of the MadHatters Bash and known by locals as the “Voice of Tulane” will also once again be featured on the famous “Smoking Caterpillar” float.

The parade is not only tantalizing with colorful, elaborate costumes…it’s also music to your ears…featuring more bands on floats than marching bands on the street…and there are many amazing marching bands. This year, you can find your favorite groups and musicians. Come see Irma Thomas, Vince Vance and the Valiants, Bag of Donuts, Rockin’ Dopsie, Amanda Shaw, Harvey Jesus and Fire, After Party, Karen Waldrup, Epic, Top Cats, Kings of Neon, Da Funkey Pawpaws, Just Doin’ It, Abdul and the Tentmakurs, Red Wolf Brass Band, Carl Mack, The Ramblers, Kinfolk Brass Band, Paper Chase, Rachel Fleetwood and Perfect Love…and others soon to be announced.

Local businesses sponsor many of the floats. Helm Paint, Bayou Charters, JSI Investigation, Revigate, Home Bank, Lawyer Don D’Aunoy, Speedway, WWL, Limitless Chiropractic, Insurance Claim HQ, Benco Dental Supply, 985 Builders, Gulf Mechanical and Louisiana Dental Center are integral members of our krewe. This year, we are proud to announce the addition of two new local business sponsors…Molaison Kennedy, LLC, a local law firm, will feature “Paper Chase” on their float…and…Al Copeland will feature his own “Copelands” float, no doubt “Cooking Up a Storm in Wonderland”.

The parade sponsor of The Magical Krewe of MadHatters is Louisiana Dental Center, which will feature a mascot float emphasizing that February is Dental Children’s health month. Toothbrushes will be the principle throw from this float – just look for the Jabberwocky! Louisiana Dental Center will also sponsor a float for “Make a Wish Foundation”, fulfilling the special wish of many children who will ride this year.

New Orleans is the home of one of the finest Dental Schools in our country. LSU School of Dentistry will have a special feature float this year titled, “When You’re Smiling, the Whole World Smiles with You”.

The Magical Krewe of MadHatters is always led by the “King of Kings” float, from which over 5,000 Bibles are handed out along the parade route each year. The float is followed by a replica of the Arc of the Covenant and sponsored by “Coalition of Voices for Christ”, a local non-profit Christian Ministry dedicated to sharing the Word of God.

This parade is unlike any other.

Don’t miss it!

For more information: https://madhattersparade.com