Every year about this time I start to get butterflies in my stomach. I'm lucky enough to be the person who is the Specialty Unit Director for the mighty Krewe of Centaur's Mardi Gras Parade. It's a huge, huge undertaking. I get very excited when a talented marching band says yes, they'll march with Centaur. Or when I get a creative idea that I think the crowds that attend the parade will love.

Last year's stars of Centaur's Mardi Gras Parade were the Express Black and White Clydesdales. Only one Clydesdale in ten is born black and white. And to see eight of them prancing down the street is breathtaking. What a great way to start the Mardi Gras Parade.

When the Clydesdale's 18-wheeler came rolling up we all screamed and applauded. We could hardly wait until the Clydesdales were unloaded from the truck.

Centaur had 10 marching bands, four Trams with musical groups and six mini floats with acts like belly dancers and Mexican folk dancers. We had the Louisiana Tech's Marching Band and 31 big throwing floats. If you didn't go home loaded down with beads and trinkets, you weren't trying.

The Krewe of Centaur's Mardi Gras Parade will be held on Saturday, February 2 2013. And we're going back to our original parade route, starting in downtown Shreveport.

Want to help with the parade? Let me hear from you.

Grandmother. Gardener. Mardi Gras fanatic. Guest writer Suzy Ryan does it all. Check out more of her heartwarming memories and funny stories here. If you have a question for The Woo or want to share your own stories, drop a line: thewoo3@yahoo.com

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