Mardi Gras honorees named for Rayne Mardi Gras Parade

RAYNE - The City of Rayne and the Rayne Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture tourism Committee has again selected James “Jimmy” Prevost and Darien Ramon’ Harmon to serve as 2019 Rayne Mardi Gras parade Grand Marshal and Jr. Grand Marshal, respectfully.
The duo was selected to lead last year’s festivities. But due to inclement weather, the parade and festivities were canceled. Therefore, the honorees will take their respective places this year instead.
They will co-lead the fourth annual Rayne Mardi Gras parade when it rolls down the streets of Rayne on Saturday, March 2, at 3 p.m., ending at the Frog Festival Pavilion where events will be enjoyed by all.
When discussing the criteria of the annual Mardi Gras Parade, the Chamber’s Tourism Committee felt that the persons selected should have some affiliation with Mardi Gras in Rayne in the past or present.
Jimmy Prevost and Darien Harmon certainly qualify.
Prevost reigned as the first king of the Rayne Grand Court Mardi Gras Ball in 2012, and has continued to support and attend the Ball since his reign.
Jimmy is an avid person of interest in tourism, having served his community as a Chamber Board member for several years and past president of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce. He has also volunteered countless hours as chairman for the annual Frog Festival in the 80’s and again in 2013 and 2014.
Prevost also serves his community as a member of other community and church organizations, such as Rayne Lions Club, Rayne Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus council 1897, St. Joseph Catholic Church usher and finance committee; past president of the Acadia Parish Insurance Exchange and past president of the Rice Belt Board of Realtors. He currently sits on the board of the Rayne Building and Loan and is co-owner and president of C.J Prevost Insurance and Rayne Realty Company, Inc.
Darien Ramon ’Harmon mostly known as “Turtle” will co-lead the Parade as Jr. Grand Marshal.
The son of the late Cheryl Harmon and Dannie Harmon, Darien is a 2018 graduate of Rayne High School and plans to further his education. He was a four-year varsity player in football and was the Flex Player of the year, First Team All Acadiana, First Team All Acadia Parish, and also received numerous All District honors.
Relating to his Mardi Gras traditions, Darien began ‘dressing out’ at the age of four as did his father and brother.
Harmon notes that by growing up in Rayne, he has witnessed how Mardi Gras has changed over the years. Traditions has gone from old school crate paper suits and capes to more of a Mardi Gras-Indian costume which leads to the history being left behind. He learned his craft from his father, who showed him the basic skills of building a costume at the age of 13. Since then, he has completed his own costumes and loves the tradition still enjoyed in the City of Rayne.
Harmon wants to honor all supporters that encouraged him throughout his young life and his productive school years.”
Everyone is invited to participate and be part of the fun, family safe parade with a float, trailer, vehicle or walk.
All participates must complete the entry form available at the chamber office at 107 Oak Street. The office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until noon and 1-4 p.m.
Deadline to enter is Thursday, Feb. 28, with an entry fee of $25 per team. Entry fee for all political candidates seeking office is $75.
Brian Mouton is chairman of the parade, and is encouraging businesses, schools organizations, civic and church organizations, dance troupes, school bands, elected officials, political candidates, city and area royalty, and area Mardi Gras Krewes to participate.
For more info, please contact the Chamber office at 334-2332 or email to raynechamber1@bellsouth.net.
The parade line-up will begin at 2 p.m. on American Legion Drive. Parade will begin at 3 p.m., travel along The Boulevard and South Adams and end at the Frog Festival Pavilion for more fun.
The “After Parade Party” will be held again this year, immediately following the parade at the Frog Festival Pavilion, between 4 and 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to come enjoy a “Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Cook-off” entries, BBQ hamburgers, cold drinks, live music and more, all at no admission.
The Chamber is now taking entries for the Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Cook-off. Entry fee is only $25 per team of businesses, non-profit organizations or individuals.
Gumbo dishes will be judged with plaques given to the first, second and third place finishers, plus a “People’s Choice” award (voted by the public for $1 each). An entry forms with rules and regulations are also available at the Chamber office.
The public will be able to sample the gumbo entries for only a $5 sampling fee. Nikki Link is chairing the Gumbo Cook-Off, and adds that no ice chests with drinks will be allowed. Entry forms are available at the Chamber office, and contact Nikki at (337) 849-0566 for more details if needed.