The annual Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Parade is set to roll into The Twin Cities on February 19th at 6 p.m. The parade is scheduled to travel down its normal route, starting at Natchitoches Street and 8th Street and ending at Louisville Avenue and Oliver Road. The length of the parade will be approximately four miles long.
This year’s parade will feature over 35 units including floats, marching units, and bands. Each member of the parade personally pays for the items that they throw. This includes 3.5 million beads, cups, stuffed animals, and more. The Krewe also holds fundraisers throughout the year that help to cover other costs of the parade.
The theme of this year’s parade is “Janus Goes to Hollywood.” The parade is also showing appreciation to area first responders.
This year, the parade is expected to have its biggest turn-out ever with over 175,000 revelers hitting local streets.
The 39th King and Queen of the parade are husband and wife, Leo and Jan Nelson. Leo works at b1 Bank as a commercial lender and senior vice president. His wife, Jan, works at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church as the receptionist. Also included in their family are two daughters and two grandchildren.
More information can be found on the Krewe of Janus Facebook page.