The Gay Easter Parade is set for 4:30 p.m. April 1, 2018 and will feature 47 units, including 29 carriages, wagons, and trolleys, 7 convertibles, 2 bands, and 11 walking groups. Additionally, it will pay tribute to parade founders Rip and Marsha Naquin DeLain as well as honor past Parade grand marshals.
The Parade will route through the French Quarter and highlighting fashion and creative works of the New Orleans LGBT community. Visitors will enjoy the participants of the parade in their Easter wear, including decorative and large hats that are often worn at the event.
The 2018 schedule for the Gay Easter Parade features events over the course of the holiday season, including:
The Sponsorship Party on March 4, 2018 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the 700 Club.
Eggstravaganze on March 11 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Golden Lantern.
Spring Fever on March 17 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Four Seasons.
Purple Party on March 24th from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Double Play.
Bunnies in the Big Easy on March 30 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture.
Other events and fundraising activities are being planned.
The parade and events will raise money for CrescentCare’s Food for Friends program, a care program for HIV and AIDS clients of the NO/AIDS Task Force supplying groceries, personal care products, household products, and home delivered meals. CrescentCare’s mission is to offer health and wellness services to the community.
The 2018 members of the advisory board for the Gay Easter Parade include Darrin Duplessy, Harry (Tip) Vanadore, Arthur Severio (Reba Douglas), Jeremy Fontinot, Monica Sinclare Kennedy, Tony Leggio, and Anthony Lala Jr.
