Krewe of Gemini parade preps

The streets of downtown Gulfport are sure to be packed tomorrow as the 49th annual Krewe of Gemini parade rolls through the downtown area. City leaders tell News 25 last year’s turnout was a record breaker. They have high expectations for this year’s parade.
Come Tuesday, thousands of revelers will line the streets in downtown Gulfport as the good times roll for the Krewe of Gemini’s 49th carnival season on the Coast.
Local law enforcement will be out in full force hoping at least some parts of history won’t repeat themselves like the shooting at last year’s Pass Parade and the tragic wreck in New Orleans this past weekend. Sergeant Joshua Bromen with Gulfport PD said, “One thing we do use is the vehicles in the intersection as well to prevent those vehicles and things of that nature, but with these routes being so large a lot of times that can impose some difficulties, but again, that’s why we shut down 49 all the way to Pass Road. That allows the barriers of several blocks between vehicle traffic and the pedestrians walking downtown.”
The parade kicks off Tuesday evening at 5:30 with street closures at Pass Road and Highway 49 southbound and at Highway 90 and Highway 49 northbound.
Officers say to have a plan in place and know how you’re getting home. They also say to keep a close eye on your kids along the parade route once you get there. “A lot of these floats, they’re 18-wheelers the rest of the year, but one night they’re a Mardi Gras float. Keep that in mind when your children are walking up to these vehicles. They are 18-wheelers and it is dark and the drivers may not see you, so just be watchful of them,” said Bromen.
In the end, it’s all about having a good time because as the saying goes ‘Laissez les bons temps rouler.’ Chris Vignes with the City of Gulfport said, “Gulfport’s really turned it into a family friendly event for parades and these types of events. It’s just getting bigger and better each year. We see a lot of people come out. They get set up early. They bring their food, they set up their chairs. It’s a lot of fun.”