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Introducing
Krewe d'Eclat!
(Kroo day klah)
A social aid and pleasure club in Richmond, VA
WHAT’s a krewe?
A krewe is a group of people who come together to costume and parade in New Orleans. They often have a community service aspect as well. We're bringing it to Richmond.
WHAT DOES KREWE D’ECLAT! MEAN?
Eclat is a French word meaning a flash of light, a glow, or sparkle.
It can also refer to a sudden sound like a burst of laughter.
We chose the name to capture the feeling of awe, excitement and inspiration when we see something unexpected and joyous that lifts our spirits, lights up our hearts and brings people together.
WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF KREWE D’ECLAT!?
To ignite joy and inspiration
To unite people & create an inclusive community
To serve the community
Kind and joyful interaction in the streets with our neighbors
To elevate parades and costuming in Richmond
HOW DO WE SERVE THE COMMUNITY?
Krewe d’Eclat members regularly volunteer their time and talents to non-profits and community organizations in and around Richmond.
WHAT IS MY ROLE AS A MEMBER?
Your role would be to show up and be fun! Show up for parades, events, volunteering, and krewe gatherings.
Costuming is custom to each event. Be as creative as you can be! We love to see color, sequins, head dresses, papier maché, glitter, whatever you wish that will stand out! (Search St. Anne's Parade images for inspiration)
You would also provide throws to give out to people along the route.
What’s a throw?
Parades in New Orleans are different from parades in other cities because they're interactive. Those parading connect with those watching, creating the feeling that we're all in on the fun. The easiest way to do this is with throws, or small gifts we give out to the crowd.
Great ideas for throws you might provide would be candy (packaged please), seed packets, strands of glass beads, bubbles, noise makers, etc. (As much as possible, please try to choose throws that are sustainable. Less plastic, more fantastic!)
Handmade throws are generally the more coveted throws because they're like little works of art. Things like embroidered or screen-printed bandanas, resin bottlecap magnets … whatever your craft of choice is.
MEmbership
Krewe members pay annual dues. Dues fund the operations of the krewe; things like equipment, food and water during parades, krewe t-shirts, our annual ball (because there has to be a party!), etc. Membership rates are currently being determined.
a ball?!
In New Orleans, krewes have a ball each year during the Mardi Gras season! Forget Cinderella, these are not formal stuffy affairs (well some are, but ours won't be!)... it'll just be a great party for our krewe members and their guests.
support roles
Want to be involved but don't have a creative bone in your body? Great! We have a need for support folks! We'll need people to carry the banner, flank the krewe and part the crowd ahead of us, manage and pull the supply/drink/snack wagon, etc.
We'll have a very simple dress code for support to keep you identifiable.