2014 Official Queen: Jeannie Flanigan of Flanigan's Costumes Norman Mardi Gras Parade Founder, Parade Chair 1994-2003 Artist, Art Teacher, Volunteer Art Facilitator at Norman Veteran's Center Jeanne Flanigan founded the Annual Norman Mardi Gras Parade in 1994, and was director for 9 years. She was also Director of the Norman Christmas Parade, Lineup Coordinator for the OKC Pride Parade, and committee member of the OKC St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade started out with 25 or so in the parade, and about that many watching! The parade grew from going around a single city block to being 2 blocks long, with the head meeting the tail. With the help of many volunteers, the parade included many after-events: a gong show, a sing-along and live show with “the Wizard of Oz” movie, and Mardi Gras Balls. She turned over the job of Parade Maven to others when she sold her shop and moved to OKC to be closer to her mother, who had a debilitating stroke. Flanigan moved back to Norman in 2010, and continues to make costumes. She also volunteers as art teacher at the Norman Veterans Center. She owned Flanigan’s Costumes from 1989 to 2007, and was able to provide, or help design, costumes for Kings and Queens, their entourage, and many parade performers…and continues to do so. Memberships in the National Costumers Association, the International Festivals and Events Association, and the National Association of Artists Organizations helped her form a philosophy of community spirit and service. She served as board member with the Norman Arts Council, the Norman Depot Revitialization, and was founder of the Women’s Studies Student Association while at OU. Her BFA is in Film and Video, from the School of Art. Flanigan has lived in many places, since her father was in the Air Force. Her experiences with different regions and countries has influenced her appreciation of all things Mardi Gras: the music, the fancy dress, the food, and the parade strut! |
2014 Official King: Ed Kearns Former Parade Chair 2006-2010 Artist, Humanitarian 35 year resident of Norman Jurist Doctorate O U School of Law ‘97 Served with the Department of Corrections for 16 years Former Chair – Norman Justice Alliance Member – Cleveland County CROP Walk To Stop Hunger Committee Involved in various education and awareness efforts regarding hunger, poverty, domestic violence, and child abuse |
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