Houston Creole Festival

Arriving early in the morning before the parade begins is part of the excitement of being involved with community events. Teen, Miss, and Mrs. Regency International were up early and downtown decorating the Truck for the inaugural Houston Creole Heritage Festival Mardi Gras Parade. Joining the three titleholders were children of Friends and Family. The parade started at Bell St and Chenevert St. and proceeded down Bell NE to Austin. On Austin they traveled SE to McKinney, then the last section was McKinney to LA Branch and ended at Discovery Green Park. During the mile long Parade the Titleholders and children through lots of multi-color beads to the crowds of people.

The Houston Creole festival was being held at Two Locations over the weekend, one for daytime events and another for evening and Sunday events. The first location was at Discovery Green Park right after the parade, there were tons of things to enjoy with the whole family. Some of those activities were a Kid Zone, Live Music from the Zydeco Musical Series, and even a Creole Inspired Cook off. And last but not least, the festival games, and for the non-music and non-food lovers there was shopping. The second location was Knights of Columbus Hall, 6320 Madden Rd, 77048. This location’s event started Friday Evening with a Reception, Mardi Gras Party, camp-out and even a Trail ride. The weekend ended with the Knights of Columbus Hall’s Super Bowl Party.

This first annual event was made possible by the Houston SHOP (Sweet Hour of Prayer) organization. SHOP is a not-for-profit organization that raises money to provide academic scholarships, school supplies, and other educational programs throughout Texas. Some of this year’s sponsors included Sloan, Bagley, Hatcher & Perry Law Firm, Lunaface, Houston Press, Green Mountain Energy, and Diamond Riders Social Club. The Regency International Pageant looks forward to taking part in next year’s event, as we know it will be lots of fun.