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EVANGELINE PARISH \u2014 Kids in Evangeline Parish are celebrating Mardi Gras the traditional way.<\/p>\n
The Duralde Children’s Mardi Gras Run was held Sunday. <\/p>\n
In the small community of Dulralde, everyone knows each other by name, and if you ask someone, there’s only one way to celebrate Mardi Gras. <\/p>\n
“This is the original thing to do. Go out, chase chickens, chase the pigs, dance, have fun, eat some boudin, some gumbo, and just have a good ole time in the country,” said event organizer Maretta Deshotel. <\/p>\n
Deshotel and her six siblings host the children’s run, which started only three years ago.<\/p>\n
Their late father, Marcell Johnson, came up with the idea, so kids in the community could participate in Mardi gras festivities. <\/p>\n
“If it wouldn’t be because of him, we wouldn’t be here today. He had a big role in this,” explained Deshotel. “He pushed us to do it and join in on all the fun. He liked his little community, Duralde.”<\/p>\n
Johnson also liked giving back to the community, which is why each year, proceeds from the event go to someone local or somewhere.<\/p>\n
This year, the money raised will benefit the pediatric unit at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. <\/p>\n
“We’re not just doing it for fun,” explained participant Scottie Carriere. “We’re actually putting the money somewhere and helping other kids in need.” <\/p>\n
It’s a tradition the Johnson family will keep alive.<\/p>\n
“It’s very important that we continue doing this because I know he’s looking down on us right now, smiling, because this is his thing,” said Deshotel. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n