NATCHEZ — The Krewe of Lucky will make its debut with a float this year in the Krewe of Phoenix Mardi Gras Parade when the parade rolls at 6:30 p.m. Friday in downtown Natchez.

Organizers said this year’s parade would feature approximately 40 floats.

William Barnes said he has been putting in the hours with friends and coworkers at Scott’s Welding & Machine Shop in Natchez getting the Krewe of Lucky’s float ready.

“Just something on the bucket list,” Barnes said. “I’ve always thought about putting something in the Mardi Gras Parade.”

Barnes said he and employees of Scott’s Welding, their families and friends have worked hard on the float’s creation.

Kristie McMillian and Joanna Whittington did the artwork, Barnes said.

The float is adorned with a giant beaded necklace with 45 beads, each one taking four to five hours to produce, Barnes said.

With all the work everyone has put into it, Barnes said, they definitely hope to make another appearance after this year.

“Who wants to put 700 to 800 hours into work for something to ride in an hour and a half parade?” Barnes said. “We have had a fun time working on this together.”