Everything You Need to Know for the 2020 Krewe of Gemini Parade

From designated family zones to the number of throws on hand, here's everything you need to know for the Krewe of Gemini parade lead by Captain Chris Stansell!

I know there's been some confusion about the start time for the parade, but I have it on good authority that the official start time will be 3:30 pm Saturday, February 22, 2020.

You've gotta love Mardi Gras season in Shreveport/Bossier City! And you don't want to miss this final weekend of celebrations! Start it all off with the Krewe of Gemini for their float loading party Friday night at their den on Texas Street in Bossier City, then get lined up early to catch more than your fair share of beads, stuffed animals and that good quality Louisiana fine china at the parade Saturday where you'll see 60 entries, including 25 floats, each with specialty throws. Instead of having a 'grand marshal' this year, the Krewe of Gemini will be honoring local broadcasting legend Bob Griffin who passed away February 3, 2020.

Here's what Gemini's Sue Cooksey says Mardi Gras revelers should know about this weekend's festivities:

BOSSIER CITY, La. – The public is invited to the Krewe of Gemini’s Float Loading Party Friday, February 21, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Father Karl Daigle will bless the floats at 6:30 p.m.

The family-friendly event is free and it's an opportunity to view the floats close-up the day prior to the parade and meet the royalty and float riders. Some riders may throw special beads/throws.

There will be food and beverage vendors, Mardi Gras trinkets, and face painting for the kids for purchase. Float riders will be milling around with a variety of Mardi Gras attire to marvel at. Some may be throwing or handing out their Float beads/throws.

Feb 22, 2020 - Gemini XXXI Grand Parade, “VACATION,” Shreveport 3:30 p.m. new START Time.
• 50 plus tons (nearly 2 million) of throws for Gemini 31– includes beads, stuffed animals, toys, cups, doubloons, and other miscellaneous trinkets.

The massive parade proceeds down Clyde Fant Parkway south from downtown Shreveport at Lake St., turns right onto Shreveport-Barksdale Highway and then left onto E. Kings Hwy ends at Preston St.

NOTE: Parade Riders will NOT throw in the following NO THROW ZONES:
• The staging area on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway north of Lake Street.
• The railroad tracks over Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway just north of Veteran’s Memorial Park.
• Stoner Avenue bridge over Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway.
• Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway exit to Shreveport-Barksdale Highway.
• The transitioning curve from Shreveport-Barksdale Highway to East Kings Highway

Also, family-friendly, non-alcohol sites are located along Clyde Fant close to Stoner Hill area. Parents are encouraged to keep children safe from throws in the air and keep away from floats as they roll through. Please DO NOT allow children to rush up to the floats to catch beads/throws. And, please DO NOT stand in NO THROW ZONES, riders will NOT throw in those areas. Riders also DO NOT THROW when stopped.