Mardi Gras Feature

   The February sun radiated almost as brightly as the festive San Marcos residents who began to file down San Antonio Street on Saturday. Redolent traces of shrimp gumbo and jambalaya fused into the faint breeze. Beads, bubbles and brass band rhythms projected over the crowd of parade-goers celebrating the 300-year old celebration of Mardi Gras.

   The Mystic Krewe of Okeanos held their 8th annual Mardi Gras parade on February 22 at noon. Starting at Dunbar Park, the procession made its way through the neighborhood to the corner of Belvin and Bishop Street. The non-profit organization’s mission is to support music and arts in Texas through the celebration of Mardi Gras. In an effort to combat the cold and dreary ambiance that this time of year often brings, the parade provides an opportunity for residents to come together as a community and celebrate the Cajun tradition.

   From jazz ensembles to unicyclists, organizations and groups of all kinds stormed the streets of downtown San Marcos in a wave of green, purple and gold.

   Linda Pennington and Robert Cotner currently reign as the 2020 King and Queen of the celebration. The annual coronation is held prior the parade, selecting the two locals based on their contributions to the community. The royal duo made their Dixieland debut on a float of great prestige, handing out Mardi Gras mementos to the community. Both being alumni of Texas State University, the pair proudly spoke on the significance of the event.

   “It’s when you can go out and just be yourself. And don’t have to be anybody else,” said Cotner.

   The Bedouin Dancers, a San Antonio based dance group, added an Egyptian flare to the celebration as they shimmied along the parade route. Created in 1982, the troupe of belly dancers unite for the love of the performing arts. Mary June Hernandez, a Bedouin Dancer, spoke of how diversity plays a key role in the dynamics of the group. Each dancer comes from an array of experiences including Hernandez who has a dance background in flamenco and Mexican folklore.

   The Heritage Association, winner of the parade’s 2019 craftsmanship award, was eager to utilize the American heritage theme of this year’s parade. Aboard their float was president-elect, Debbie Austin.

Austin explained the float’s purpose was “to draw attention to the efforts of the Heritage Association, to preserve the historic elements of San Marcos - the places, history, stories.”

   The Mistick Krewe of Okeanos showcased a float that captured the essence of their name by parading a strapping figure of Okeanos, the Greek god of freshwater rivers, as well as other mythical sea creatures that personify San Marcos’s signature river.

   Wayne Kraemer, one of the seven founders of the Krewe was happy to recall the organization’s humble beginnings as one of his fondest memories. The first parade, taking place in 2013, was organized by a group of neighbors with a fervor for the festival.

   “It was really kind of a spur-of-the-moment type of thing,” said Kraemer. “We had a flatbed trailer, we took some furniture off of the neighbor’s porch and some potted plants. We put our king and queen on it and paraded down the street behind a lone trumpeter.”

   The parade has since outgrown its small community, inviting a wide variety of groups from locals to Louisianans.

Turner Wilson, a Louisiana native, couldn’t keep away from the Mardi Gras festivities while traveling through the Hill Country. The college professor was delighted to find a slice of home while on the road. She also spoke of her admiration for the community’s bond.

   “This neighborhood is historic and people from all walks, ways, places and things converge,” said Wilson.

   Mary McBeth, joined by her sister, Judy Williams, enjoyed the Cajun cuisine as they gave ear to the Dirty River Dixie Band’s cover of “When the Saints Go Marching In” at Price Center’s Mardi Gras Parade Watch and Pop-Up Party. McBeth, a former aquamaid, has previously participated in the parade with the Mermaid Society. The sisters have delighted in watching the growing number of families attend the parade each year and stated their hopes for a future with higher Texas State student involvement.

   To learn more about the Mistick Krewe of Oreanos and their efforts to bring the community together, visit the Mistik Krewe of Oreanos website.