Cyber Innovation Center and Krewe of Gemini Extend Invitation to Local Military Personnel to Ride in Mardi Gras Parade
SHREVEPORT, La. - A Shreveport-Bossier cultural tradition is welcoming members of the local military community to take part in one of northwest Louisiana’s most celebrated events - Mardi Gras.
The Krewe of Gemini has extended a community invitation to local military personnel to ride aboard a newly created Military Float during this year’s Krewe of Gemini Parade. Participating service members will enjoy an authentic Mardi Gras experience from inside the parade itself, celebrating alongside fellow riders as members of the community.
The invitation offers military personnel and their families stationed in the region an opportunity to experience the traditions, culture, and pageantry that have defined Mardi Gras in northwest Louisiana for nearly four decades.
“This is about welcoming the men and women who serve our community and giving them the chance to experience a uniquely local tradition,” said Kevin Nolten, president of the Cyber Innovation Center. “Mardi Gras in the ArkLaTex is built on community, volunteerism, and shared celebration, and we are proud to help create opportunities for service members to feel included in that experience.”
The Military Float is sponsored by the Cyber Innovation Center, headquartered in Bossier City, which supports workforce development, innovation, and community engagement initiatives with a strong focus on the defense and national security ecosystem.
Founded in 1989, the Krewe of Gemini is the ArkLaTex’s original parading Mardi Gras krewe. Established through a joint effort between the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and the City of Bossier City, the all-volunteer nonprofit organization has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated annual traditions, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators each year.
“Our mission has always been about bringing people together and celebrating the culture of this region,” said Cole Guthrie, captain of Gemini XXXVII. “Extending this invitation to members of our local military community is a meaningful and exciting expression of that mission.”
This first-of-its-kind opportunity offers participating service members a chance to build lasting memories and a deeper connection to the community they serve.
The Krewe of Gemini Parade XXXVII will roll on February 14, following the public Float Loading Party on February 13. For more information about parade events and activities, visit the Krewe of Gemini’s official website.
Media Contact:
Cyber Innovation Center: Anna Claire Stevens (anna.claire@cyber.org | 318-759-1600)
Krewe of Gemini: Christina Howard (christinahoward318@gmail.com | 318-402-6791)