The Mayor of Mardi Gras - by Gregory L Fischer (Paperback)

About the Book

Mardi Gras lives on, but Cantrell Floats heir McKinley "Mackie" J. Cantrell, III died suddenly in 2021. He was forty-seven. He was a brother and mentor to me. This book is a memoir of him and my year of Carnival work in 2011-12.

Book Synopsis

New Orleans Mardi Gras parades date back to 1857. Many people attend Mardi Gras. Fewer people participate as members of a krewe, and still fewer work year-round as artists and float builders. My cousin McKinley "Mackie" J. Cantrell, III was one of the artists and builders who worked full-time to bring Mardi Gras to life. A third-generation float builder, Mackie's grandfather began building floats during the Great Depression. By the mid-70s, "Big Mac" Cantrell had his own company, called McKinley J. Cantrell and Son and was captain of his own parade, the Krewe of Mardi Gras. Cantrell Floats lives on today, but Mackie died suddenly two days after Christmas in 2021. He was forty-seven. He was more of a brother to me, a mentor, who took me on to work with him for an entire year of Carnival preparation in 2011-12. This book is a telling of all my great memories of Mackie. It is a rare glimpse into New Orleans life from an artist's perspective. As Mackie would say, "It's a true story, stab-ah."

Review Quotes

"Fischer, his cousin, tells Cantrell's story and recounts the history of the family business but focuses in on his own memories of this generous man . . . The information about Cantrell is consistently engaging, as is the author's account of the business side of the celebration of Mardi Gras." - Kirkus Reviews

"It is rich in human emotion, brilliantly capturing the sense of loss while paying tribute to a man that lived with purpose. This book is a wonderful memoir with a fully drawn hero who will inspire creativity in readers." - The Book Commentary

"I didn't know Mackie, but I felt like I did through Gregory's storytelling . . . His presence will be felt every year during Mardi Gras. And Mackie will be close to those in spirit-never far from Gregory's thoughts." - Kam Brook, Reedsy Discovery