Along with the hype of Mardi Gras each year, parade goers have the opportunity to experience a little bit of Hollywood.
The larger krewes such as Bacchus, Endymion and Orpheus host different actors or musicians as celebrity monarchs or officers of their parades. This has brought stars like Whoopi Goldberg, Larry King, Nicolas Cage, and Britney Spears into the celebration of Mardi Gras in recent years.
While it might seem like headlining a parade is an offer too good to miss, parade executives say that there is a process involved, and that some celebrities are more receptive than others.
Ardley Hanemann, vice president of the Krewe of Orpheus, said that the process involved in choosing celebrity riders begins months before the floats roll.
“We start in June, and we look for someone with a musical connection and who appeals to people in their 30s and 40s,” Hanemann said.
Actor/singer Harry Connick Jr., the founder of the parade, frequently rides in Orpheus. This year Orpheus will feature Dominic Monaghan, who portrayed Merry Brandybuck in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, fashion designer Nicole Miller, and country musician Brad Paisley.
For the Krewe of Endymion, captain Ed Muniz said they try to get celebrities that can act as their “Grand Marshal” and can also perform at their post-parade “Endymion Extravaganza.”
Endymion will host country star LeAnn Rimes as their celebrity grand marshal and also their headlining performer at the 2004 Endymion Extravaganza.
Both Hanemann and Muniz agree that Mardi Gras has developed a reputation among celebrities in Hollywood.
Hanemann has noticed a positive light shone on Mardi Gras in Hollywood, and he attributes this partly to Bacchus and Orpheus.
“Celebrities see that they can come down here, eat great food and have a great time,” Hanemann said. “They see that the people of New Orleans let them have their space.”
Muniz said that Mardi Gras has a different reputation in Hollywood.
“I think there is a reputation put forth by the press not so much with violence, but mainly with nudity.” Muniz said.