LONG BEACH, Miss. (WLOX) – The Long Beach Carnival Association Parade rolls again this weekend. The Carnival association’s work has been part of the community for more than half a century.
“When they all come to the ball and they take a picture of [my family] together, it just makes me feel so proud, ” said Phyllis Seal. “I’m hoping my mom is looking down on us and knowing something she started so many years ago is continuing.”
Seal’s mom was the Long Beach Carnival Association’s second queen in 1962. Like so many others in her family, Phyllis also served as royalty as Queen 2K in 2000. Her husband was a fixture for the organization as well. This year, the family tradition continues.
The Long Beach Carnival Association was established 66 years ago.(WLOX)
“I’m looking forward to my queen this year since it’s my daughter-in-law,” explained Seal. “The ball will be very exciting for me. She is the 7th queen in our family to be queen.”
“Queen Rosalit” Ashleigh Seal will be joined by “King Scott” Ryan McMahon. The names of the royalty pay tribute to the founding of the city where the parade now rolls on Saturday nights.
“Our king and queen are named after the original names of Long Beach, King Scott and Rosalie,” said Jason Green, Long Beach Carnival Association historian. “Long Beach was known as Scott station and Rosalie in its founding.”
Phyllis Seal and Jason Green.(WLOX)
As the Carnival association’s historian, he’s flooded with decades of memories as he flips through the pages of past programs. He served as King Scott in 2009.
“It’s generational,” said Green. “It’s in your blood, and you just carry those traditions on.”
Their mission isn’t just about having fun.
“We like to refer to it as ‘carnival with a cause,’” said Green.
Through the years, the organization has raised millions of dollars for local charities, with the bulk of the money going to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School.
The Long Beach Parade rolls on Saturday night at 6 p.m.(WLOX)
“My grandchildren that just finished here were the fourth generation to attend Catholic school in Long Beach,” said Seal. “It’s just a point of pride to know we have a Catholic school in Long Beach, and probably the only way to keep it is for these organizations to raise the money to keep the tuition low enough that average families can attend here.”
The list of charities receiving funds from the krewe continues growing.
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“Some of what we give are their largest donations that they receive each year, like Buddy Ball and organizations like that,” Green said. “Being able to give back is worth celebrating. There’s nothing more fulfilling than at the end of the season being able to give grants to those organizations. It’s truly special.”
Even though many family ties keep the Long Beach Carnival Association rolling, there’s plenty of room for others to join in.
Visit gulfcoastweekend.com for a full schedule of parades taking place around the Coast.(WLOX)
“We want everybody to come experience the joy of giving back,” said Seal. “If you’ve never experienced Carnival, this would be the best krewe to join. You’re going to meet friends, you’re going to get the feeling of helping others, and it’s just a lot of tradition.”
In back-to-back nights, the Long Beach Carnival Association’s ball and parade will make for Phyllis Seal’s favorite weekend of the year.
“I just love it,” said Seal. “I love the whole weekend. I love Carnival, and I love this school.”
The Long Beach Parade rolls on Saturday night at 6 p.m. For a parade route and full parade schedule, visit gulfcoastweekend.com.
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