The Krewe of Aesclepius began in Shreveport in 1990 and is the third oldest krewe in Northwest Louisiana.  Named for Aesclepius, the Greek god of healing, the krewe is comprised of medical professionals throughout the Ark-La-Tex.  Members represent a variety of health related vocations including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, engineers, educators, administrators, medical technologists, dentists, dental hygienists, and more.

It began as a party that was supposed to start a celebration of Mardi Gras at LSU Medical School in Shreveport, and has now become a huge community function.  The idea of our medical krewe grew even before it began—and a ball that was supposed to be held at the medical school in 1990, instead saw 700 attend the event at the Shreveport Civic Center its very first year!

 The Krewe of Aesclepius is the premiere organization for social interaction among area health care providers.  Our tableau ball is THE formal event of the Mardi Gras celebration.  Leading up to the exclusive Bal Masque each year is the fascinating process of designing and constructing the spectacular costumes and collarpieces worn by the Royal Court.  The Krewe of Aesclepius takes special pride in the collarpieces worn by its royalty.  Many hours of planning and hard work are put into creating each colorful and distinctive collarpiece.  Each of the ornate collarpieces is handmade by dedicated krewe members.  Every year the artistic design and structural soundness are enhanced by a new group of members who join the ‘veterans’ to make each collarpiece something unique.  In fact, planning and preparation for next year’s ball will begin shortly after the end of this Mardi Gras season. 

The Krewe also hosts the annual Aesclepius Childrens Parade on Fat Tuesday.  This allows for another opportunity to display the costumes and collarpieces and to share them with the children and their parents while allowing them to “catch” various trinkets, beads, and special throws.  All of the other area krewes are invited to participate in the parade as well as the annual Aesclepius Bridge Closing Ceremony to toast to the end of Mardi Gras for the year in the Ark-La-Tex.  The toasts are followed by a Lenten Ash Service and distribution of ashes.

The Krewe of Aesclepius is more than just parties though, as evidenced by their charity work throughout the year.  The krewe is one of the sponsors for Camp Bluebird, an upbeat camp for adult cancer survivors.  We also help with Jambalaya Jubilee and other activities.  Members also visit area nursing homes, hospitals, extended care facilities, and local elementary schools during the Mardi Gras season as well as other times of the year.  We also participate throughout the year with other area krewes to promote the growth of local Mardi Gras education, activities, and celebrations. 

Being the krewe made up of healthcare workers, Aesclepius adopted Camp Bluebird as one of its major charities.  This is not an ordinary camp.  It has a special purpose and a unique mission.  The campers are all adult cancer patients.  Each year we monetarily sponsor adult cancer patients to attend “Louisiana’s Upbeat Retreat for Cancer Survivors.”  We also help to entertain the campers by performing a second-line parade in Mardi Gras attire, throwing beads and making certain that everyone gets some beads.  We also usually provide some small gift for each of the campers, such as a plant or candy.  Campers travel to Bethany, LA where they are surrounded by Mother Nature’s beauty.  Testimonials from past participants dramatically illustrate the camp’s therapeutic value as well as the joy that the campers experience.  Within Camp Bluebird’s secure and medically supervised environment, cancer patients are offered an opportunity to rebuild their weakened self-esteem.  The camp is co-sponsored by the Schumpert Cancer Treatment Center and the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Aesclepius members also contribute throughout the year to Providence House by donating clothing, household items, food, and money to support the efforts of this great organization.  Money, food, and other items are also donated by the krewe and its members to another of its charities—the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission. 

Our newest charity is assisting with the annual “Jambalaya Jubilee” held at Centenary College for children with juvenile arthritis.  It was founded and is spearheaded by one of our own Aesclepians, Dr. Tom Pressly, who is an avid worker with these special children.  The ‘jubilee’ is a three-day retreat for children and their families to come together with others suffering from the same disease for support and education.  Physicians, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, pain therapists and others are on hand to make presentations and answer questions.  Parties for the families are scheduled during the evenings.  We help by entertaining the children and families by performing a second-line parade in Mardi Gras attire, throwing beads, trinkets, and toys.  We also coordinate, facilitate, and supervise games for the kids.  It is very rewarding for all involved. 

During the Mardi Gras season and various other times of the year, members of the royal court and other krewe members visit area elementary schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and Grace Home to spread cheer as well as educate the public about Mardi Gras.