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SCOTT, La. (EVEN) — A Mardi Gras parade intended to unite the community instead left many participants frustrated and outraged after several float groups were turned away under what they describe as last-minute, selectively enforced rules by the Scott Police Department.
Multiple krewes and float riders were denied entry on Saturday due to alleged tire width violations, despite some using the same trucks that had been approved in previous years. Others, after attempting to comply by swapping vehicles, were later told they were “too late” to re-enter the lineup, even though the delays were caused by the enforcement itself.
The Scott Business Association (SBA), which organizes the parade and collects the $750 entry fee, is not being blamed for the issue. Instead, parade participants point to Scott Police for what they call vague and inconsistently applied regulations. This situation places the SBA in a difficult position regarding refund requests, as they were not responsible for denying entry.
According to KATC, the SBA informed them that Scott Police told them only four floats were turned away and that there were 36 total floats in the parade. However, numerous participants dispute that number, claiming that far more floats were turned away at the lineup.
One float group, which has participated in the parade for over 20 years, shared their experience:
Our float driver and truck have been approved for the past three years, but this year we were turned down due to over-wide tires. We initially arrived at 9:15 a.m. and were turned away. We found another truck and returned at 9:40 a.m., only to be denied again. Finally, we secured a third, stock truck and came back at 10:15 a.m., but were still rejected. The police claimed it was too late even though the parade didn’t start until 11 a.m., and floats were lined up right in front of us.
Another participant voiced similar frustrations:
“We were number 65 in the lineup, but the parade ended up only having 30 floats because of all the ones turned away. The Scott Police absolutely ruined the parade, and we will never participate again.”
Photos circulating on social media further fueled frustration, showing at least one nearly identical truck that was allowed through, raising questions about whether all participants were being held to the same standards.
“If this was truly about safety or legality, why were certain vehicles approved while others weren’t? The lack of consistency shows this was not about enforcing the laws, it was about “who you knew,” wrote one frustrated float captain.
Participants also highlighted that their vehicles possessed valid Louisiana inspection stickers, indicating compliance with state safety standards. Under Louisiana Revised Statute 32:364, vehicles are required to have fenders or coverings at least as wide as the tires to minimize spray or splash on highways. However, the statute provides exemptions for certain vehicles, including those not supplied with such equipment at the time of manufacture and specific agricultural vehicles. The ambiguity in enforcement, especially when some vehicles with similar specifications were allowed entry, has led to confusion and allegations of selective enforcement.
Beyond the disappointment, many groups are now demanding financial accountability. Float groups paid the $750 entry fee, with no word on whether refunds will be issued. Riders also spent thousands of dollars on float decorations, throws, and travel costs, only to be denied participation at the last minute.
“We spent $750 on registration and another $1,000 on beads. We had 10 kids with us ready to ride. Now what? Do we just eat those costs?”
Another rider expressed frustration with the impact on families:
“We had friends who drove from Texas to watch us ride. The parade, which usually lasts two hours, was over in 45 minutes because Scott Police turned so many people away.”
In response to the controversy, Scott Business Association President Caleb Lege released a statement on behalf of the organization, distancing SBA from the police’s actions while confirming that they will be reaching out to affected participants:
“SBA has no say so or influence during the inspection process for floats and vehicles. SBA does not grant any special permissions or exemptions for vehicles as we are required to follow the same rules and regulations set forth. This process is done by Scott Police Department, and again, SBA has no control over who is and is not allowed to enter the lineup and the reasons for such. In regard to this year’s incident, SBA will be reaching out to those participants that were turned away by the Scott Police Department for various reasons. We will be taking actions, within our means, to bring a reasonable conclusion to the matter.”
Lege also clarified that the SBA follows rules set by Scott city officials and that parade participants acknowledge those regulations before registering. According to SBA, float captains and drivers are provided with parade rules, city ordinances, and vehicle regulations before the event, and they also attend a meeting where those rules are reiterated.
Scott Police and Mayor Jan-Scott Richard have declined to comment on the matter, according to local media. We also reached out to Scott Police for a response but have not received one.
Many in the community are now calling for a formal explanation from the Scott Police Department, specifically from Lieutenant Braun Lavergne and Police Chief Chad Leger. Participants are questioning why enforcement wasn’t handled in advance, such as through pre-parade inspections, rather than blindsiding float groups at the lineup.
“We have no issue following the rules if they are clear and applied fairly. But that’s not what happened here. Instead, we got selective enforcement and a last-minute power trip,” wrote a participant.
Community members are also asking why public safety resources were used to measure tire width while bigger safety concerns, such as barricades and proper crowd control, went overlooked.
As frustration grows, many former participants say they will no longer ride in the Scott Mardi Gras Parade unless significant changes are made. Others are pushing for a public meeting to demand accountability.
For now, Scott Police remain silent, offering no response or explanation for their actions.
Parade participants are now seeking refunds, a formal statement from Scott Police, and a commitment to clear and fairly enforced rules in the future. Whether those demands will be met remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: the 2025 Scott Mardi Gras Parade will be remembered not for its celebration, but for the controversy that left so many riders on the sidelines.
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