The Nemesis Parade is set to roll through Chalmette on Saturday, as the Knights of Nemesis bring their hometown Carnival tradition back to the streets from the St. Bernard Civic Center. Floats and riders will unleash the usual shower of beads, toys and trinkets along Judge Perez Drive and into nearby front yards, and paradegoers should brace for bigger-than-normal crowds and slower travel around the civic center area, according to the St. Bernard Parish Government's Facebook page.
Parade Time, Route And Hometown Pride
The Knights of Nemesis list the parade start time as 1 p.m. on Saturday from the St. Bernard Civic Center at 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive, according to Knights of Nemesis. The club’s published route heads west along Judge Perez Drive, makes U-turns at Dr. Meraux Drive and Campagna Drive, then returns to the civic center. The organization notes that Nemesis remains St. Bernard Parish’s only active Mardi Gras parade, positioning itself as a hometown alternative to the larger New Orleans processions.
How Your Throws Get A Second Life
After the last float rolls by, many of those beads, toys and trinkets do not go straight to the trash. The Arc of Greater New Orleans collects, washes and repackages used throws at its Chalmette community center, which it lists at 3700 Jean Lafitte Parkway, along with contact and drop-off details on its website. According to WDSU, the Arc has repurposed more than 125,000 pounds of beads and runs a year-round program that provides paid jobs and job coaching for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc’s Mardi Gras retail and repackaging efforts also help fund services and employment programs, per Arc of Greater New Orleans.
Safety And Logistics
In past years the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office has increased its presence along the route and used live social updates to keep attendees informed, a move previously covered during last season’s Nemesis roll. Parade fans can expect sheriff’s deputies and visible traffic control near the civic center, and arriving early to lock in a viewing spot should make the day smoother for families. Organizers typically remind riders and spectators to keep an eye on small valuables and to watch children closely around the floats.
To donate used throws or ask about drop-off hours, the Arc’s Chalmette Community Center lists a contact number at 504-301-4360 and provides additional details on its site, according to Arc of Greater New Orleans. St. Bernard Parish officials have posted a reminder about the Nemesis roll on their Facebook page, where residents can check for local updates and any last-minute notices: St. Bernard Parish Government on Facebook.
