NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The process of getting The Krewe of Zulu from the drawing board to one of the premiere celebrations of Carnival time is one that starts rather early with characters and riders meeting before dawn.

3 a.m.

Included in this meeting is a breakfast, a head count, instructions, makeup, costumes and more instructions.  Bernard Newell is this year’s Zulu Big Shot and for he and his 82 riders, they’re on a mission.

“You know we’ve got to make sure that all of our people are together, and make sure we don’t forget anything so we can roll out on time and our parade chairman won’t be angry with us and we pull out on time”, says Newell.

5 a.m.

They’re just getting started! Time to get on the buses and head to the float yard, where throws were loaded last night.  While it’s still dark outside, there’s an excitement in the rider’s faces as beads, coconuts, stuffed animals, and whatever else you can imagine are organized. Now, it’s time to get to the parade route.

7 a.m.

Zulu is a parade full of Big Shots, and retiring Xavier University President Dr. Norman Francis, is this year’s Honorary Grand Marshal. Dr. Norman Francis says, “This is a big celebration for me. I saw my first Zulu in 1949, so I’ve been at Zulu for 66 years.”

While the cool temps were on everyone’s mind Fat Tuesday, for Zulu King Andrew “Pete” Sanchez, it was perfect, “It’s truly good to be king. I mean it’s cold. This is good Mardi Gras weather. It’s good parade weather. Everybody seems to be out. We want everybody to have smiles on their faces, and asking for as many coconuts as we can give.”

7:55 a.m.

Just before the party got started, Mayor Mitch Landrieu had a greeting and a message for News With a Twist, “Happy Mardi Gras to you. Listen. I turned it over to the king of Rex and Zulu, and they’re gonna fill every pothole today.”

With that Zulu rolled on time through the streets of New Orleans, making for a chilly, but happy Mardi Gras.