Illustration by Daniel Fishel
You’ve probably seen their absurdist send-up of the disciplined drill teams that march in parades. Instead of twirling batons or rifles, the members of the Gateway Precision Lawn Chair Krewe twirl folding lawn chairs—in unison. (Mostly.) Check them out, and join in if you like, at the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14.
Get a Chair. The official chair, according to Krewe Chief Steve Butler, is a short-legged aluminum beach chair, but patio chairs are fine, too. Look for one that “opens and closes easily but firmly, with quality rivets and webbing that’s stylish yet functional,” Butler says.
Follow Along. In two nights of drilling, you’ll learn such commands as “Click-click!” (open and close the chair) and “Cocktails!” (open the chair, sit down, and have a drink).
Accessorize. Krewe members normally wear tropical shirts, but St. Patrick’s Day calls for “tropical leisure but with a green emphasis,” Butler says. “The key is to accessorize with beads, baubles, hats, and shamrocks.”
See the Chair, Be the Chair. When it’s parade time, grab your chair and get into the zen zone. “This is all about lawn chair awareness,” Butler says. “You must strive to be one with the chair.”
