If you’re planning to attend the Krewe of Highland XXV Parade on Sunday, Feb. 23, be on the lookout for the big, green Marilynn’s Place float. Marilynn’s Place, located at 4041 Fern Ave. in Shreveport, is a Cajun and Creole restaurant situated in the heart of the action on Krewe of Highland parade day. For the past 10 years, the restaurant has thrown an enormous, day-long party called the Marilynn’s Place Mardi Gras Bash on the day of the parade. This year, for the first time, they’ll have a float in the parade – and they’re celebrating its debut with some unusual throws.

Recently, I spoke with Boz Baucum, owner of Marilynn’s Place and Ralph’s Place, about what I feel certain will be one of this year’s most coveted parade throws. He’s printed up several thousand green plastic cups that are printed with the words “FREE BEVERAGE” and the parade date. Catch one of these cups and bring it to the restaurant’s party following the parade for “a free beverage of your choosing,” which includes alcoholic beverages. The cups may only be redeemed on Feb. 23, 2020.

Boz Baucum owns Marilynn’s Place in Shreveport.

I asked Baucum what motivated him to throw thousands of dollars worth of free drinks from his float.

“I am living proof that a fool and his money are soon parted,” Baucum said with his characteristic humor.

Aside from being “a fool,” Baucum is also one of the Highland characters who have, over the years, given this neighborhood parade its funk and charm. His post-parade party is a great place to meet more of those big characters – it is a prime spot for people-watching.

This year, the party will feature live music from Dirtfoot, That Girl DJ, The Outlaw Drosie Wales, and Frank Jones. Earlier in the day, there’ll be face-painting, clowns, and more. I’ll paste the event flyer in below.

If you’re planning a visit to Shreveport-Bossier during Mardi Gras season, head to www.ShreveportMardiGras.com or download the 2020 edition of The Gris Gris Guide to Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier, a local Carnival guide produced by the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.

20×49.com is a publication of The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.

Here’s the official flyer for the Marilynn’s Place Mardi Gras Bash, just in case it’s helpful!