City of Slidell Names Baldo Albrecht Grand Marshal of Celebrate America 250 Golf Cart Parade

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal is proud to announce that 96-year-old Navy veteran and community leader Baldo Albrecht has been selected as the Grand Marshal of the City of Slidell’s Celebrate America 250 Community Golf Cart Parade, which will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 2 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell.

The patriotic parade is part of the City’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and will feature decorated golf carts showcasing patriotic themes and everything that makes America unique, including sports, arts, entertainment, music, history, and pop culture.

“Mr. Albrecht represents the very best of the Greatest Generation,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “His military service, dedication to family, and lifelong commitment to his community make him an outstanding choice to serve as Grand Marshal for this special celebration of America’s 250th birthday. We are honored to recognize his contributions and have him lead our parade.”

Born in 1929, Baldo Albrecht is a member of the generation that helped shape modern America following World War II. He served four years in the United States Navy before continuing his military service in the Louisiana National Guard. As part of the post-World War II occupation forces, he was stationed in Hawaii and later on the Japanese mainland. During his service, he visited Hiroshima and witnessed firsthand the devastation left by the atomic bombing, an experience he describes as unforgettable.

After his military service, Albrecht built a successful career as an electrical contractor and later retired at age 70 as Maintenance Superintendent for St. Bernard Parish Government. He has also remained active in community service and has been a member of the Elks Lodge for ten years. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed his home in St. Bernard, and he and his family relocated to Slidell, the community they proudly call home today.

Albrecht and his wife, Barbara, were married on May 21, 1978, creating a large blended family that today includes eight children, 16 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren. Barbara devoted 17 years as a homemaker and enjoyed a 30-year career as a professional florist. Beyond his military and professional accomplishments, Albrecht dedicated countless hours to mentoring young people through the Sprites Carnival Club, which he founded in St. Bernard Parish to teach children about the traditions and joys of Mardi Gras. As president for ten years, he helped generations of children learn to build floats, create decorations, and celebrate local traditions.

Participation in the Celebrate America 250 Golf Cart Parade is free and offers families, friends, businesses, and community groups a fun way to celebrate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“This will be a fun way for our community to come together and celebrate America’s birthday,” said Mayor Fandal. “We encourage everyone to come to Olde Towne for the parade and festivities and have a memorable Fourth of July in Slidell.”

Following the parade, the Olde Towne Merchants Association will host an Independence Day celebration on Cousin Street beginning at 4:30 p.m., featuring live entertainment, food and beverages, and fireworks at 9 p.m..

Applications are still being accepted for the parade. Completed registration forms must be submitted to the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs no later than Monday, June 29, 2026. Registration forms are available at MySlidell.com.

For more information about the parade, including the parade route, contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or culturalaffairs@cityofslidell.org.