• P.O. Box 13651, Alexandria, LA 71315
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DISCLAIMER: Alexandria Mardi Gras Association will be increasing purchases made with PayPal for the 2024-2025 Mardi Gras season due to PayPal increasing their service fees.

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Krewes Parade

Krewes Parade

  • Sunday, February 11, 2024
  • 2:00pm
Route: Texas Avenue – Masonic – Memorial – North Boulevard – Alexandria Mall
Grand Marshal: Alex Smith
View Krewes
KREWE REP Documents

Grand marshal

CHRIS CHELETTE

Chris grew up in Pineville where he graduated from Pineville High School.  He is a also a graduate of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA.

Chris and his wife Tiffany, who live in Alexandria,  have two amazing daughters, Anna (16) and Kaylee (10), who attend school locally.  Anna is a member of the swim team at Holy Savior Menard High School  and Kaylee plays soccer and basketball. Tiffany has been incredibly supportive.  She is a Physical Science and Chemistry teacher at Alexandria Country Day School-Upper, where she also coaches the boys’ and girls’ power lifting teams, along with the swim team at Alexandria Senior High School.  In his spare time, Chris coaches the Holy Savior Menard swim team.

Chris has been CEO of Valex Federal Credit Union, a $37 million credit union.  He is directly responsible for growing assets from $11 million to over $28 million within an 11-year period.  He has served on several state credit union committees throughout his tenure as CEO of Valex FCU.

Chris is the recipient of the Hometown Hero Award and the Jimmy Williams Spirit of Community Award for his involvement in the Central Louisiana Community.

Chris began working with the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association in 1994 as a “spotter” walking beside one of the floats.  In 1997, he was a member of the Mystic Wizards, a walking krewe.  As he concentrated on his education, he took a brief leave of the Mardi Gras activities.

Chris began working with the AMGA again when his education was completed.  First helping with line-ups and other tasks assigned to him.  He was elected to the AMGA Executive Board in 2001.  He has served as President of the AMGA for 14 different years and has remained on the Executive Board for 21 years.

Chris’ passion for Alexandria is motivated by the love he has for his family and the desire for them to grow up in a place they are proud to call home and eventually raise their families.  Their family is invested in Alexandria being the very best it can be for his family and your family.

Gracie Reichman, Miss Louisiana

Special Guest

Gracie Reichman, Miss Louisiana

Gracie Reichman, Miss Louisiana 2022, from Colfax, Louisiana is a junior Kinesiology & Health Sciences Major at Louisiana Tech University. She plans to obtain a Doctorate in Physical Therapy with Advanced Certification in Sports Physical Therapy. Gracie was Miss Louisiana’s Outstanding Teen 2022 and is currently a goodwill ambassador for the Louisiana Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, as well as a representative for the Miss Louisiana Organization’s Corporate sponsors: City of Monroe, Discover Monroe/West Monroe, University of Louisiana Monroe, Propane Dealers of Louisiana, Vantage Health Plan, Louisiana Office of Tourism and TownePlace Suites by Marriott of Monroe. She has been an active member of the Louisiana Tech University Community as a member of the Regal Blues Dance Team, as well as Phi Mu and the Louisiana Tech Leadership Council. Gracie captured the Miss Louisiana Crown with her exhilarating Contemporary Clogging routine to Blue Suede Shoes. Since Gracie began competing in the Miss America Organization, she has earned over $74,100 in scholarships. She travels the state promoting her social impact initiative, “Think Twice, Be Nice” encouraging positive mindsets and self-worth.

 

 

krewes parade

Sunday, February 11, 2024 @ 2 PM

2024 Krewes Parade
GRAND MARSHAL

Alex Smith

About Alex Smith

“Born and raised in the heart of Alexandria, Louisiana, Alex Smith’s musical journey began at Holy Savior Menard High School, where he not only excelled as a starting pitcher for the baseball team but also left an indelible mark on the school’s vibrant arts scene. As a vital member of the school’s Drum Corps, Alex’s talent for arranging songs still resonates today, with some of his musical contributions continuing to echo through the hallowed halls. It was here, amid the camaraderie and creativity of Menard, that he first strummed his guitar and shared his voice, igniting a passion for music that would shape his future.
 
After graduating, Alex took his love for music to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL), where he continued to hone his skills by performing at local bars and learning the art of songwriting. Little did he know that these experiences would lay the groundwork for a remarkable journey to Nashville, where he now stands as a rising star in the country music scene. Since making the move in 2016, Alex has shared the stage with illustrious acts such as Brett Eldredge, Uncle Kracker, Blake Shelton, Lainey Wilson, Dolly Parton, Thomas Rhett, and Old Dominion, captivating audiences with his unique Louisiana Country Sound.
 
Despite his success in Nashville, Alex’s heart never strays too far from his Louisiana roots. Frequent visits back home to Cenla have allowed him to connect with his community and share his passion for music with local fans. Collaborating with legendary producer Kent Wells, renowned for his work with Dolly Parton, Alex embarked on a project that pays homage to his upbringing in Louisiana, celebrating the Cajun Country that flows through his veins. Recognized for his dedication to the state’s rich musical heritage, Alex proudly holds the title of Louisiana Music Ambassador, actively working with the State on various projects.
 
Eager to nurture the local music scene in central Louisiana, Alex aims to provide up-and-coming artists with more stages and opportunities to pursue their musical dreams. His latest project, ‘Bootshake,’ is a melodious tapestry of Cajun Country, infused with a delightful fusion of music stylings from all over the Bootstate. As he continues to make waves with his Louisiana-infused sound, Alex Smith remains committed to bringing the joy of live music back to the heart of his hometown and beyond.”