Photograph: Kylie Frey (Photograph from Opelousas Imperial Mardi Gras)
(Opelousas, LA) – The Opelousas Imperial Mardi Gras Association (OIMGA) is pleased to announce Opelousas native and Nashville recording artist, Kylie Frey will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2023 Opelousas Imperial Mardi Gras Parade scheduled for Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
The parade begins at 11 a.m. will travel west down Landry Street from the eastern entrance of the city near the Farmers Market, then turn right on Liberty Street and then turn right on to Grolee Street, continuing to the parade line-up area.
Kylie Frey was born and raised in Opelousas and is the daughter of Billy and Patsy Frey. At the early age of five, she was singing in public working her way onto the rodeo circuit by performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the start of rodeo events. Kylie is a third-generation rodeo girl and Louisiana state goat-tying champion – and a rising star. Her new EP, Rodeo Queen, she’s bringing its timeless sense of authenticity back.
In 2018, Kylie landed a slot on Real Country, the country music competition show airing on USA Networks. She ended up on the team of her idol Shania Twain where she performed well enough to elevate her profile within country music circles. After just four years of dedicated work, Frey has already notched seven number ones on the Texas Regional Radio Report. This includes “Rodeo Man,” “Too Bad” (with Randy Rogers), “One Night in Tulsa” and “Spur of the Moment.” In addition to the parade, Kylie Frey will be performing Monday, February 20th at Toby’s Downtown located in Opelousas, Louisiana.
The Opelousas Imperial Mardi Gras parade will also feature this year’s royalty King Imperial IV Jacob Jarrell and Queen Lily IV, Judge Ledricka Thierry and their Royal Court which includes Pride and Patience Doran, Anthony and Raquel Gradney, Jeff and Hallie Coreil and Frederick and Renae Ford. The Opelousas Imperial Yam Queens will also be part of the highlights of the parade.
In conjunction with the parade, the Mystic Krewe of Fur Babies, which hosts a parade for dogs, will take place just prior to the parade event. For more information or to sign up for this year’s parade, visit the Opelousas Imperial Mardi Gras Association on Facebook or call Robbie at 337-948-4367.
The Opelousas Imperial Mardi Gras Association celebrates, promotes, and facilitates cultural and heritage activities in Opelousas during and leading up to the Mardi Gras season by participating in and hosting a Mardi Gras Ball and Parade which are open to the public. The Association’s profits go towards charitable organizations in the Opelousas-St. Landry Parish area.
