This year marks an historic Mardi Gras first. On January 30th at 7 pm, the first-ever krewe of young people with autism, STOMP Troopers, will march in the sci-fi themed parade, the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbaccus parade. Dressed as Storm Troopers, and led by a brass band from Preservation Hall, the teens will perform on homemade homemade percussion instruments
The participants meet Uptown every Saturday morning to socialize, rehearse and fabricate their costumes, instruments and throws. Local artists, musicians and therapists provide assistance. The krewe was launched by NOLArts Learning Center, with help from IDIYA, Preservation Hall Foundation and The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbaccus. Participants hope to help New Orleans build opportunities for those on the autism spectrum to be included and celebrated in our city’s parade culture..
The organizers, NOLArts Learning Center, maintain a blog on the group’s progress, where you can follow along with their progress online as they count down to parade day.
