Parades
gRAND MARSHALS
Every year the AMGA chooses a person of distinction either from the central Louisiana area, or from the state to serve as Grand Marshal of the Sunday Krewe Parade. Previous Grand Marshals have included former Dallas Cowboy Kicker and Super Bowl winner Chris Boniol, Blues musician Grady Gaines, former Miss USA Ali Landry, Natchitoches native and country music recording artist Trini Triggs, CNBC London anchor, Sydnie Kohara, an Alexandria native, actor Scott Paetty, Mr. Food – Art Ginsburg, as well as local personality , Martha Angelo, country singer Eddy Raven, and Grambling State Football Coach and Former NFL player, Doug Williams.
Based upon a standing relationship with the Miss Teen Louisiana Pageant, the Grand Marshal for the AMGA Children’s Parade is the reigning Miss Teen Louisiana.
krewe parade
2020 Krewe Parade GRAND MARSHAL
Layon Gray
(Writer/Director)
About Layon Gray
Layon has spent more than two decades writing, directing and developing stage plays and films that reflect a wide array of cultural movements. A native of Alexandria, Gray moved to Los Angeles in 2000 and quickly ascended as one of the city’s premiere playwrights earning more than 60 nominations and awards for his works. Among the honors are: the 2018 Carbonell Awards (Best Director, Best Ensemble, Best Production) 2016 Broadway League Fellowship honor, 2012 NYC Inspire Award, 2012, Al Sharpton Man of Vision Award, 2012 PCTF Award (Best Director) 2010 NY AUDELCO Award (Achievement Award for Excellence);
2009 NAACP Award (Best Ensemble Award); 2009 Hollywood ADA Award (Best Ensemble Award); 2008 MATCH-LIFE Artist of the Year; 2007 NAACP Award (Best Producer, Best Play); 2007 MITF Award (Best Play, Best Writer, Best Director, Best Producer); 2006 NAACP Award (BestPlay); 2005 Hollywood ADA Award (Best Play); 2004.
Hollywood ADA Award (Best Play, Best Writer, Best Director); and 2003 Los Angeles MADDY Award (Best Play, Best Writer, Best Director, Best Ensemble). Presently, Black Angels Over Tuskegee, his play about the Tuskegee Airmen, is earning great fanfare and incredible reviews and buzz in its 10th year Off-Broadway. The play has performed all around the world as well as private performances for the NFL New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Chargers. In September 2019 the city welcomed Layon home with a sold out performance of Black Angels Over Tuskegee at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. The mayor presented him with a proclamation declaring September 13 Layon Gray Day.
His powerful play Kings Of Harlem, and his western Cowboy the story of Bass Reeves are both in early development as feature films. For more information on Layon’s works log on to www.LayonGray.com
Krewes Parade Route
Children's parade
2022 Children's Parade
GRAND MARSHAL
Sophia Nawaz
Miss Louisiana’s Outstanding Teen 2021
About Sophia Nawaz
- From New Orleans, Louisiana
- Rising senior at Academy of the Sacred Heart-New Orleans
- Honors student
- Scholastic Ambition—To obtain a Doctorate of Medicine degree and to work as a Forensic Pathologist
- Social Impact Initiative—Cultural Diversity: Teaching others the importance of learning about others’ cultures, stopping stereotypes and judgement towards things that a person cannot change, understanding privilege and recognizing inclusion.
- Performs as Jasmine for birthday parties and other events
- Volunteer with Louisiana Kids (Nonprofit Organization)
- Has traveled globally and is a food connoisseur.
Classic Cars & College Cheerleaders Parade
2020 CC&C
GRAND MARSHAL
Mark S. Wood
Rapides Parish Sheriff Elect
About Mark S. Wood
Mark began his career with the Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer at the jail in 1999. Upon completion of the Police Academy, Mark worked as a patrolman for several years and then transferred to Narcotics where he spent much of his career. He was also a member of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team. In 2012 he was promoted to Major and assigned to head the Enforcement Division. As the head of this division, he was responsible for the primary services of the Sheriff’s Office, including Uniform Patrol Deputies, School Resource Officers, and Reserve Deputies. Throughout his tenure, he was detailed to serve in hurricane response security and assistance, including hurricanes Rita, Katrina, and Lilly.
Mark has received extensive training in numerous schools throughout the nation on varied aspects of law enforcement and security such as Anti-Terrorism, NARCO Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Prevention and Deterrence of Terrorists Acts, School Shooting Scenario, FBI Instructor Development, FBI Executive Management, Police Discipline and Management, and many others.
He has received numerous letters and certificates of recognition and appreciation during his career, to include being named Louisiana Narcotics Officer of the Year in 2006 by the Louisiana Narcotics Officers Association. Mark is a member of the National Rifle Association, a Mason, a Shriner, and an avid outdoorsman.
He was elected Sheriff of Rapides Parish on November 16, 2019 and he will assume the position on July 1, 2020. At present, he is assigned as the Chief Deputy, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Mark is a life-time resident of Rapides Parish and graduated from Oak Hill High School, Elmer, Louisiana, in 1978. He currently resides in Gardner, Louisiana with his family. He is married to the former Tonya Melder and they have 4 children and 8 grandchildren.