What Happens When Official Decisions Clash With Community Traditions?

About this episode

The episode discusses the conflict between official decisions and community traditions in Lafayette, Louisiana, focusing on the rerouting of the Mardi Gras parade.

Who decides when community traditions change? Lafayette, Louisiana, recently rerouted its Mardi Gras parade. The goal was to improve public safety, but the change left neighborhoods, businesses, and long-standing customs in the lurch. Guest host Norm Van Eeden Petersman sits down with Lafayette resident and former city staffer Carlee Alm-LaBar to explore how communities can navigate change while respecting culture and shared ownership. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES "Residents, krewes, downtown businesses weigh in on Jefferson Street Mardi Gras parade route" by Stephen Marcantel, The Acadiana Advocate (November 2025) Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn) Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom. This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

People in this episode

Host: Norm Van Eeden Petersman

Guest: Carlee Alm-LaBar

Topics covered

• community traditions
• public safety
• Mardi Gras
• local governance
• cultural change

Keywords

• Mardi Gras
• Lafayette
• community traditions
• public safety
• cultural change

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Acadiana Advocate

Books & works: Residents, krewes, downtown businesses weigh in on Jefferson Street Mardi Gras parade route

Places: Lafayette, Louisiana

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