Hail King Shaq!!

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Each year, the Bacchus Mardi Gras krewe crowns a big star to reign over the spectacular Uptown parade as monarch. At one inch over 7 feet tall, they don’t get much bigger than basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal, who will serve as Bacchus 2025. After 19 years of dominating opponents and having scored the ninth-most points in NBA history, Shaq should have no problem heaving beads along the route — even to the people in the back row. Krewe Captain Clark Brennan said the theme of this year's parade — which takes place March 2 — is Louisiana Fairs and Festivals, and it will feature the queens of the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, St. Bernard Crawfish Fest, Rayne Frog Fest and other regional events. The 2025 parade is designed to “bring more focus, more attention to our state and city.”

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To emphasize O’Neil’s purple and gold roots, the parade will feature a new tiger float that, according to parade producer Barry Kern, will rival other of Bacchus’s spectacular signature floats. Bacchus’ throne will be lowered this year, Kern said, to ensure the towering celebrity doesn’t brush the overhead oak trees along the St. Charles Avenue route. If all goes as hoped, Kern said, Shaq and the new tiger float may be accompanied by the LSU Tiger Marching Band.

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