About Us
Way Back When
Mardi Gras in Madisonville has a long history that dates back to 1891 when the first Mardi Gras Ball was held in town at the United Benevolent Hall by the Women's Progressive Club. Mardi Gras was sporadically celebrated with Balls, street parades until the Krewe of Tchefuncte Boat Parade and Ball was established.
The Krewe of Tchefuncte was organized in 1973. It grew out of a love for the Tchefuncte River and the traditions and history of the Town of Madisonville. The boat parade was founded by Mac MacBride in 1973 when he and several other boaters got together to decorate their yachts and dock alongside the scenic Tchefuncte river in Madisonville Louisiana.
Boat Parade
The boat parade is quite unique in that the “floats / boats” are stationary and the crowd moves up and down the riverfront to visit each boat and catch throws.
Spectators are drawn to the riverbanks as decorated boats sail past the town then circle back to dock on the riverfront.
Once the king and queen are toasted by the mayor, spectators walk along the riverbank to catch beads, stuffed animals and trinkets from each boat.
The Boat Parade is held on the riverfront in Madisonville, Louisiana, on the Saturday 2 weeks before Mardi Gras.
The boat parade is open to all boaters who must register to participate. Spaces are limited, so register your Krewe early.
Today
The Krewe of Tchefuncte celebrates maritime life on the historic Tchefuncte River in Madisonville, Louisiana. Each year the Board of Directors selects a theme for the Mardi Gras season.
The Royal Court is nominated by former kings and queens and selected by the Board of Directors based on their community and school involvement.
The Royal Court represents the Krewe through the Mardi Gras season and at various local events throughout the year.
Four weeks prior to Mardi Gras, the Krewe of Tchefuncte holds its annual Mardi Gras Ball where the King, Queen, Royal Maids, Pages and Ladies in Waiting are introduced in a Tableau. Guests then enjoy a night of celebration and dancing to a live band. The ball is by invitation only.
The boat parade is open to all boaters who must register to participate and decorate their boats to a selected theme in hopes of winning the decorating contest. The parade is at noon on the Saturday two weeks before Mardi Gras.
