‘Laissez les bons temps rouler’

Krewe of Cronus Debutante Ball marks 30th anniversary

The Krewe of Cronus Debutant Ball in Bunkie will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a Mardi Gras Ball and debutante presentation on Saturday, Feb. 7.

The Krewe of Cronus held its first ball in 1996, making this year’s event a milestone celebration.

The ball will begin at 8 p.m. at Haas Auditorium, where 18 debutantes from across Avoyelles Parish will be presented.

Debutantes are junior and senior girls currently enrolled in local high schools.

Entertainment for the evening will be provided by the Chase Tyler Band.

Formal attire is required, and attendance is limited to those 21 years of age and older, with the exception of debutantes and their escorts.

Krewe of Cronus is sponsored by the Bunkie Chamber of Commerce and the Louisiana Corn festival.

Tickets are $50 each and may be purchased by calling Marjorie Melancon at (318) 729-3802.

Rotary Club of Avoyelles to host 2026 Mardi Gras parade

The Krewe of Cyllenius and the Rotary Club of Avoyelles will host the 2026 Mardi Gras Parade in Marksville on Sunday, Feb. 8, with the parade rolling at 1 p.m. The event is open to the public, and there is no fee to enter.

Organizers have announced a new parade route for this year. The parade will begin in the parking lot near Avoyelles Community Health Center and Affordable Home Furnishings, near Taco Bell, before turning right onto Moreau Street, left onto Acton Road, and left onto Tunica Drive. The route will continue down Tunica Drive before turning right onto Main Street by Walgreens, then right onto East Ogden Street in front of Bailey’s. The parade will conclude by turning into the former Red River Grill parking lot, with the option to continue and exit onto Preston Street.

For additional information, contact the Rotary Club of Avoyelles at (318) 359-3543 or by email at avoyellesrotary@gmail.com.