It was not unexpected. Question ANYTHING about the Krewe of Gemini and Krewe of Centaur parades and expect arrows in the back, dead cats in your yard and smashed pumpkins on your car.

My column "Unraveling the Shreveport Mardi Gras Parade Conundrum" was as popular as Gov. John Bel's mask mandate. Maybe less.

For those that have me on the Most Wanted List I suggest you read, again, the column. My effort was to identify all the issues that should be considered in evaluating the parades.

As far as costs of the parades, the best guess is at least $75 grand for each parade if the same route is followed as in the past---riverfront to Preston Ave. That includes overtime for law enforcement, costs for EMS stationed along parade route, SPAR barricade placement/removal, and Public Works for cleanup.

At one time these parades started in Bossier at Pierre Bossier Mall and ended in Shreveport. After a few years, Bossier kicked the parades out of the city, citing security costs, rowdy behavior and traffic congestion. Hmmm...sounds like the same issues that Shreveport is dealing with.

Now, if what all the boo birds are saying about the great value of the parade to the Arklatex of the parades , then why should the costs of the parades not be shared by those receiving the benefits? That means the Caddo Commission, Bossier City, Bossier Police Jury, the tourist bureau, and the casinos should help pay for the parades -not just Shreveport.