(MOBILE, Ala.) - They Mystics of Time announced Wednesday night a plan to get crowds dancing at their parade this Mardi Gras Season.
The MOT's will celebrate their 65th anniversary when they roll February 9th; the Saturday before Fat Tuesday. In honor of the milestone, the krewe introduced a new addition to this year's parade: a marching band competition they call the MOT Champions of the Street Marching Band Competition.
"The Champions of the Street Marching Band Competition is a way to improve the quality of our parade by improving the quality of the marching bands in our parade," MOT's Second Vice President said.
MOT officers said the concept is the first for Mobile parades from the krewe of "firsts". The MOT's were the first Mardi Gras organization to incorporate lights on their floats.
MOT officers said while the bands march with the dragons, the directors of those bands will act as judges.
"Through the adjudication process, they're not going to know when their going to be judged," the Second VP said, "So they're going to be at the top of their game the whole parade."
In addition to the fee bands are paid, the band on top at the end gets the title of "Champion of the Street," $500 and the number one band slot at next year's parade. The second place band will receive $300 and second-in line slot next year. The third place band will get $200 and the third slot.
"MOT's have set the bar high often over the years, and we just keep trying to find new ways to raise it," an MOT member said.
MOT officers said they hope the competition will draw new and bigger bands from across the region in years to come.
The Mystics of Time take to the streets Saturday, February 9, at 6 p.m.
CLICK HERE for the complete Mardi Gras schedule.
Local 15 News will have much more on this on Local 15 News at 10 p.m.
