Rodeo Meets Mardi Gras at Metairie’s Krewe of Argus

Hondo Rodeo Fest Will Serve as Grand Marshal Before its Debut in New Orleans April 2026
Site Staff,
The Hondo Rodeo Fest
Photo from The Hondo Rodeo Fest

NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Metairie’s Krewe of Argus announced that The Hondo Rodeo Fest will serve as Grand Marshal of this year’s Mardi Gras parade on Feb. 17, in celebration of the rodeo’s New Orleans debut.

Argus rolls at 11 a.m. along the traditional Veterans route in Jefferson Parish. As part of the Grand Marshal procession, western-clad riders on horseback will join Hondo Rodeo Champions and competitors, including Louisiana’s own “Cajun Cowboy” World Champion Tie-Down Roper Shane Hanchey, to parade with the krewe for a rare fusion of Mardi Gras tradition and Western culture.

Leading The Hondo Rodeo Fest procession will be CEO James Trawick,  President of the Rodeo Cord McCoy and Blake Cody, President of Entertainment and Operations, as they ride through Jefferson Parish and pass out one-of-a-kind Hondo-themed beads.

“You can do a press release, you can post on social media, but THIS is how we always envisioned introducing The Hondo Rodeo Fest to the great people of Louisiana. Rodeo and Mardi Gras both have deep-rooted traditions built around community, celebration of culture and pride,” said James Trawick, CEO of Hondo Rodeo Fest. “Being invited by the Krewe of Argus to join their parade lets people see what Hondo is about, up close and in the middle of the region’s biggest celebration. We cannot wait to meet the crowds, take in this entire experience and get people excited about our event coming to the Caesars Superdome in April.”

Metairie’s Krewe of Argus

Founded in 1972 by civic-minded Jefferson Parish leaders, Metairie’s Krewe of Argus is comprised of more than 450 riders, including men, women and children. Each year, the krewe crowns a Special King, Queen and Royal Court from its own membership to ride as Royalty. Its Mardi Gras Day parade in Jefferson Parish draws one million spectators annually and is one of the largest carnival celebrations in the region.

“It’s cowboy hats meets Carnival crowns, and this year we are trading a little glitter for grit,” said Rob DeViney, co-captain of the Krewe of Argus. “The Hondo Rodeo’s first-ever visit to New Orleans makes them the perfect Grand Marshals to lead our parade. It’s rodeo meets Mardi Gras – and we can’t wait to let the good times buck!”

The Grand Marshal role reflects Hondo Rodeo Fest’s growing presence in Louisiana and its commitment to creating immersive, community-driven experiences that celebrate western heritage.

The Hondo Rodeo Fest Event Details

The Hondo Rodeo Fest is the first of its kind in the region, and comes to New Orleans with the support of Governor Jeff Landry, Louisiana Economic Development and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation.

  • When: April 10-12
  • Where: Caesars Superdome in New Orleans
  • What: The three-day event is centered around an invite-only, champion-level rodeo format with a $1 million prize purse, nightly full concert series and Western-themed Street Fest. The concert schedule includes headliners:
    • Jason Aldean
    • Cody Johnson
    • Creed
    • In addition to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Old Dominion and Bailey Zimmerman
  • Tickets: On sale online and include access to both the rodeo and the concert. Limited floor passes are also available to add to your ticket purchase for front-of-stage floor access to the concerts, following the conclusion of the rodeo competition.

“Bringing Hondo Rodeo Fest to Louisiana adds a new cultural experience to the state’s event landscape and delivers statewide economic impact,” said Jay Cicero, president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. “Being part of Mardi Gras is the perfect entry point for Hondo Rodeo Fest to connect with the region’s unique traditions and one of its most meaningful celebrations.”

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