Clinton, Louisiana Mardi Gras Parade Denied Permit for 2027

CLINTON, La. - The town of Clinton in East Feliciana Parish will not hold its annual Mardi Gras parade in 2027 after Mayor Mark Kemp denied a permit to event organizers, citing public safety concerns stemming from a shooting at this year’s event.

The Shooting That Changed Everything: January 31, 2026

The violence occurred on January 31, 2026, during the “Mardi Gras in the Country” parade, less than 30 minutes after it began near the East Feliciana Parish Courthouse. Five people were injured, including a six-year-old child and a woman who was left paralyzed. Authorities said the shooting stemmed from a disagreement between rival gangs, and five suspects were later indicted in connection with the incident.

Mayor Kemp’s Decision: Safety First

Mayor Kemp said the town’s small staff and limited infrastructure can no longer safely support an event of the parade’s size. “The responsibility of protecting the public must always come first,” Kemp said.

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The Organizers’ Response: ‘He Didn’t Even Consider’ the Alternatives

Organizers and community members have pushed back on the decision. Sheilla Flowers, president of Feliciana Family & Friends, the nonprofit that has organized the parade for 20 years, said the group paid for roughly 20 police officers and a dozen correctional guards to work the 2026 event, with Louisiana State Police also present. She believes reducing the parade’s size, rather than canceling it outright, could have been a viable alternative. “He didn’t even consider that. He was more focused on just cutting it completely out,” Flowers said.

Long-time Clinton resident Ann Holland expressed support for pausing the event to reassess security measures before eventually reviving the tradition. “I think we ought to back off and come up with an intelligent approach,” Holland said.

What Comes Next for Feliciana Family & Friends

Feliciana Family & Friends said they plan to continue hosting other community events in the meantime, including a Trunk or Treat and nursing home outreach.