SCOTT, La. (KLFY) — Claire and John Olivier, of Church Point, have been riding on the Krewe of Olympus float in the Scott Mardi Gras Parade for years, but this year was different. They said they were denied entry into the parade because of the size of the tires on the truck pulling their float.

“It was enforcement but not right, it wasn’t done right, if it was an issue of safety and legality, then it should have been done for all, that is my main issue, you can’t let some in and not others,” said Claire.

According to the Scott Mardi Gras Parade rules and regulations, “The wheels of any vehicle participating in the parade may not protrude past the body of the vehicle.” Claire and John said they arrived at the Scott Mardi Gras Parade with their float 45 minutes before the parade began Saturday morning.

The float riders said they were then approached by a lieutenant with the Scott Police Department who told them the tires on their truck extended too far.

“We said okay, then we made a U-turn on Apollo Street, and we headed back to get another truck,” said John.

The Krewe of Olympus riders said they made two more attempts to enter the parade with two different trucks. On the last attempt, they were denied entry, because it was almost time for the parade to begin.

Claire and John said they spent nearly $2,500 for the float and its riders. They said they also paid $800 for the entry fee into the parade, and they have not yet been refunded.

“We had a new king and queen, they had family members waiting for them, there’s a lot to be considered in this, we take time and money to put it on, it was not done right,” Claire said.

John and Claire said they do not plan to participate in the Scott Mardi Gras Parade moving forward.

“I speak for me personally and my wife we’re not going to ride Scott again, we’re not going to make that investment because the risk is too large,” John said.

News 10 reached out to the Scott Police Chief, Chad Leger, and Scott Mayor, Jan-Scott Richard, who declined to comment.

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