Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler: First Time Experiencing Carnival on a New Level
Part One
My life has been like a big bite of strawberry cream cheese flavored king cake--- tangy but super sweet.
My name is Brooke Settoon Smith. I am a twenty-eight-year-old creative writer from Louisiana. I was born with a neurological disorder called Cerebral Palsy. I am wheelchair bound and I speak with a speaking device. Although I grew up with more challenges than most, I have never let my limitations prevent me from living a fulfilling life.
I flourished in regular education. I graduated from Southeastern Louisiana with a bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in History. I write articles for 225 Magazine and Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. When I am not working on an assignment, I am usually writing fiction stories or poetry.
I have conquered the craziness of online dating and I am now happily married. I love traveling the world and experiencing new thrills. I have snow skied and water skied. I have done indoor skydiving and I plan to skydive in the future. I enjoy showing others nothing is truly impossible.
I have worked incredibly hard to be a great role model. I was Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana 2015 and I placed in four in Ms. Wheelchair USA. I was also the 2017 Very Miss Special Miss Louisiana Ambassador. Not only did I create new memories with new friends, but I also inspired a few special needs parents to enroll their special needs child in school.
I am thrilled to announce that my next big accomplishment will be during my favorite time of the year, Mardi Gras! Nothing sparks my soul like Carnival time in the Big Easy. I always wondered what it would be like to ride in a traditional Mardi Gras parade. Like most things, floats have never been truly wheelchair accessible, though.
I always knew that I will get my chance one day and it’s finally happening. On February 26, 2022. I get to ride in the Krewe of Tucks parade on a wheelchair accessible Mardi Gras float! One of my step great uncles, Bob Reichert, was a cofounder of Krewe of Tucks. Uncle Bobby and his best friend Lloyd Frischhertz create their own Carnival krewe after unsuccessfully trying to become white flambeaux carriers in 1969.
His son, Robert Reichert, has continued his legacy of going beyond the norm. He says, “Carnival needs to be more accessible.” So, he made a Mardi Gras float fully equipped with a wheelchair ramp. it is big enough for 10 or 15 wheelchair bound individuals to ride safely.
it's basically two floats connected to one another. Robert states, “Float A can fit about four to five in the front part of the float, and Float B can fit anywhere between 8 to 10 depending upon the size of each wheelchair or other mobility device onboard.” I can’t wait to roll onto the float and experience Carnival time on a whole new level.
Part Two
Happiness is still shimming brightly inside me like 24k gold. I had the most amazing time riding in the Krewe of Tucks parade last Saturday. The energy from the crowds is indescribable, and I will never forget it. I loved how I'd make so many people's day just by giving them beads and trinkets.
My cousin Robert did an incredible job with creating an inclusive float. It was spacious enough for each wheelchair bound rider to fully enjoy Carnival time. It never felt too tight, even when all the throws were loaded. I was able to stand and sit freely throughout the parade.
Robert certainly put his whole heart into making sure everything was perfect for everybody! It was sweet seeing the reactions of the other disabled riders. A special needs family from St. Louis even rode.
The best part, though, was the fact I stood on a real float in New Orleans during Mardi Gras weekend with the people I love the most! I got blisters to prove it, Hehe!
Here is a video of my experience.
Check out my other writings on my digital writing portfolio.
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