Family Gras wraps on a high note in the Pontchartrain Center

KENNER, La. (WGNO) – There were no outdoor parades in Jefferson Parish Sunday, but a parade of fun happened inside the Pontchartrain Center for the final day of Family Gras 2025 festivities.

President and CEO of Visit Jefferson Parish, Violet Peters, praised the many people involved with moving the massive production from its outdoor location on Veterans Boulevard to the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner.

Not a broken road, but a rainy day brought Rascal Flatts fans to Kenner, where country music star Gary LeVox wowed the crowds with a string of hits. 

“I love Family Gras, I mean Mardi Gras itself is awesome but to me, and we’ve been here 30 years, it’s all about the music,” said fan Ross Razin, who was grateful to be able to see the performances in such an intimate setting.

Wet weather prompted Jefferson Parish to move Sunday’s music performances inside, rather than cancelling, resulting in a new look for Family Gras Sunday, concert-hall style.

Fans were also treated to the fabulous fiddling of Amanda Shaw and a powerful performance by “one of the good ones” for certain Gabby Barrett. 

“They (the music artists) couldn’t have been more accommodating. They understood about the weather  and they were ready to put on a show for their fans,” said Peters, happy that the event gave visitors what she calls “a tremendous opportunity to live like a local for three days.”

For Jefferson Parish residents events such as Family Gras also have a huge economic impact: According to Peters, each Jefferson Parish household saves more than $1,150 on their state income tax, thanks to the parish’s 2 billion dollar tourism industry.

It was a history-making Family Gras, showing locals and visitors alike that in New Orleans we let the good times roll, no matter the weather.