This Easter Sunday will mark the 40th anniversary of a beloved tradition: the French Quarter Easter parade that for many years was led by iconic entertainer Chris Owens.
The parade built on a tradition established in 1956 by Germaine Wells, the flamboyant proprietress of Arnaud’s Restaurant, which was founded by her father, Count Arnaud de Cazenave. Wells died in 1983, but a parade in her memory continued after that, including in 1985 when parade captain Sammy Steele organized a second parade featuring Owens as Grand Duchess.
The inaugural Chris Owens parade on April 7, 1985, featured 75 riders in white convertibles which took them from the French Quarter and a party at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel to St. Charles Avenue for Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church…