LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA - The 2024 Mardi Gras season was full of excitement for LyondellBasell employees in Lake Charles this week as the sites joined local communities to celebrate and honor the heritage and traditions of Southwest Louisiana.
Krewe of the Golden Years Ball
LYB collaborated with the Calcasieu Council on Aging and the City of Lake Charles to host the Krewe of the Golden Years senior Mardi Gras event on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Over 500 attendees enjoyed the ball, including local mayors, elected officials and hundreds of senior citizens from Calcasieu parish. According to Jackie Green, Executive Director, Calcasieu Council on Aging, Tuesday’s event was the first time the organization has been able to celebrate Mardi Gras with seniors across the region since COVID.
“Calcasieu Council on Aging is extremely grateful for the LyondellBasell’s sponsorship of this year’s Mardi Gras Celebration for seniors,” Green said. “This event is the gateway to the aging population enjoying the Mardi Gras season in all its splendor. It gives them the opportunity to celebrate a wonderful Louisiana tradition and heritage at a time and date that is conducive for them. It is difficult for them to attend parades and events that are held in the evening and at night. This is their Mardi Gras Celebration, crafted for them to enjoy. Our sincerest Thanks to LyondellBasell for their sponsorship. Without your commitment to serve our community, this event would not have been possible.”
Site Manager Armando Lara spoke at the event and expressed LYB’s dedication to supporting the local community.
“LYB is proud to be part of the Southwest Louisiana community, and we value the opportunity to support local organizations that promote diversity, economic development, and social wellbeing,” Lara said. “We are excited to host the 2024 Krewe of Golden Years Mardi Gras event for the seniors.”
Mayor Nic Hunter, city of Lake Charles, acknowledged the importance of this momentous occasion for seniors throughout Southwest Louisiana.
“We are thrilled to see the Calcasieu Council on Aging’s Krewe of Golden Years Ball return,” Hunter said. “Mardi Gras in Lake Charles is a celebration meant for all ages to enjoy, and I know our seniors are ecstatic to welcome this royal celebration back after a brief hiatus. I thank LyondellBasell for their support of this event and the many other initiatives they so generously support in our community. Time and time again, LyondellBasell shows what it means to be a true community partner.”
Merchant’s Parade
LyondellBasell employees participated in the annual Mardi Gras Merchant’s Parade on Friday, Feb. 9 in downtown Lake Charles. More than 50 employees were on the parade float as it made its way down Ryan Street.
Downtown at Lock Park- Families for Inclusion
Lake Charles employees gathered with friends and family at Lock Park to celebrate the Krewe of Krewes Parade on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Employees were joined by members of Families for Inclusion, an organization dedicated to bringing equity and inclusion for children with disabilities. Recently, LYB and Families for Inclusion announced a newly formed partnership with the city of Lake Charles to transform Lock Park into an all-inclusive park for children. The park's playground equipment will be chosen to accommodate every child, regardless of need, and will feature sustainable materials and state-of-the-art design concepts.
