Parade - 1997

Grand Sultan                      Drake Owens
Parade Theme                    was there one??
Sultan Sub-Theme             Sultan Fire Engine 
Float                                  Green Fire Engine Gary's
Driver:                               Gary Brockman / Bruce (maybe)
Driver Fat Tuesday:           Gary
Post Parade Fat Tuesday:   Gladstones / 1860s

Drake was one of our founding members! His flatbed helped kick-off a number of our years in the past. His beautiful Brown lab, Hershey was our first mascot. We did many float constructions at his downtown business Lasalle Plumbing. (Lasalle was once featured on K-SHE's Elevator from Hell.) We'd store the float there between the Grand Parade on Saturdays and then have it ready to go again for Fat Tuesday. Drake was also our first talented handyman. If we had some construction issue he'd take care of it before the rest of use even had an idea.

This year, however, we again had the luxury of Gary's green fire engine. So Drake got to play a little bit more!  It was pretty cool!

Post parade, at night, we went to Hammerstone's. While most of the Krewe was inside, Mark and I were outside with the fire engine and were approached by some policemen. We were quite sure that we were going to be asked to move it. Instead, we were very surprised when the officers asked us if we wanted some beer! They had taken a 12 pack from some underage drinkers. If I recall correctly, I think we said "Yes". Ah St. Louis's finest!

Drake now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, but has reemphasized that he his is still a Sultan, does not want to be taken off of the distro list, and lastly he'll be back on the float someday!