Today I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Jim McMichael, Captain of the Krewe of Justinian XX. One thing is for sure, for a group of lawyers, they sure do know how to get into the Mardi Gras spirit!

The krewe is celebrating their 20th year tomorrow night (1/24) with their Grand Bal and Tableau at the Horseshoe Casino Riverdome. A limited number of tickets are still available via the Shreveport Bar Association. For those new to Mardi Gras in the Ark-La-Tex, here's some fun facts about the Krewe of Justinian from Jim:

The Krewe of Justinian was formed in 1994 by an energetic and forward-looking group of lawyers and their spouses in an effort to raise funds to help pay for the newly-hired Shreveport Bar Association's Executive Director. The idea was to provide a means within the SBA for lawyers and those associated with the legal profession to enjoy the area's then new Mardi Gras celebration activities. Justinian has been hugely successful by both measures - in raising more than $175,000.00 for the Shreveport Bar Association over the years and in providing plenty of Mardi Gras fun for our members.

2014 marks our twentieth anniversary and we will celebrate all year with our theme "Justinian turns Twenty: Still crazy after all these years...."

Justinian remains the only legal-based Mardi Gras krewe in existence.

For all of its good works, the Krewe of Justinian is, most of all, about participating in Mardi Gras and having fun. Much of what we do - within Justinian and in our activities with the other local Mardi Gras krewes - is based on the rich and timeless culture of Mardi Gras. Justinians are proud to follow and enjoy traditional Mardi Gras customs that have been part of Louisiana's heritage since the 1800s.

Each year we have two floats in the Centaur Parade and two floats in the Highland Parade. We also participate in the Krewe of Sobek parade, the Krewe of Harambee parade and the Krewe odf Aesclepius Parade. This year, in recognition of the Krewe of Gemini's 25th anniversary, we have been invited to and will participate in the Gemini parade, as well.

 

Hear more about the Krewe of Justinian by listening to our interview here: 

Just in case you don't believe me when it comes to what a cool party Justinian throws, check out video from the Grand Bal 2012! Who says you can't get down in formal wear?

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