Annual Gray Monkey Parade to roll April 15

The annual Gray Monkey Parade is set for 12:30 p.m.  Friday, April 15, to coincide with National Library Week and the new Week of the Young Child, Iberville Parish Library Director Dannie Ball.

In past years, the parade was held during Mardi Gras season, but icy winter weather last year forced the library to reschedule the parade to April. A survey of Gray Monkey participants showed it was a good idea to keep it there, so the April date will be permanent, Ball said.

“This is an appropriate time for our children’s parade to run for a number of reasons,” the director said. “We have the chance of better weather, and also mid-April is the annual time for National Library Week, and the new Week of the Young Child (sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children). With this change we hope to honor the decades of tradition and memories that the parade holds for so many people. Please continue your support and participation in this community wide event.”

Also last year, the parade was moved back to Railroad Avenue, the original parade route selected in 1946 by the Gray Monkey Parade founder, Lolita Daigre, a teacher at Plaquemine Elementary.

Further information is available from children’s librarian Anne Reeves or Ball at the Main Library at 687-2520.