Prattville names longtime events leader Barbara Simpson Grand Marshal

Barbara Simpson led the procession as grand marshal of the Prattville Mardi Gras parade on Jan. 16, 2026, a recognition of a career that shaped much of the city’s public celebrations. Simpson retired from the City of Prattville in 2024 after 16 years with the Cultural Arts and Special Events Office, where she helped plan parades, festivals, concerts and art exhibits that define community life.

Simpson’s role in local events often went beyond planning. For years residents would spot her guiding parades while wearing a reflective vest, a visible symbol of the hands-on work behind family-friendly celebrations. Her involvement in Prattville’s arts scene also includes helping to start the Prattauga Art Guild and serving as Festival Coordinator beginning in 2008. As an accomplished artist, her work has been displayed locally, regionally and internationally, connecting Prattville’s cultural programming to a broader artistic network.

“I never thought that I would ever be Grand Marshal for one of the parades! This is such a surprise and an honor,” Simpson said after the ceremony, reflecting the quiet dedication that has made her a familiar presence at city events even if her name was not always widely known.

The designation highlights both individual contribution and the institutional role of the Special Events Office in sustaining civic life. Parades and festivals serve as economic and social drivers, bringing families downtown, supporting small vendors and showcasing local nonprofits and schools. For many residents, the Mardi Gras parade is a key winter event that signals community continuity and volunteer collaboration.

Simpson’s recognition also underscores a practical challenge for local government: preserving institutional knowledge as long-serving staff retire. The city’s ability to maintain the scale and safety of large events depends on policies for training, volunteer recruitment and documentation of operational practices. Strengthening those systems would help ensure that the cultural calendar remains robust even as personnel change.

Looking ahead, Prattville’s Special Events Office will manage preparations for the 2026 Mardi Gras Celebration and other seasonal programming. Residents interested in event details or volunteer opportunities are encouraged to contact the Prattville Special Events Office for information on schedules and participation.

For Prattville, awarding the grand marshal title to a behind-the-scenes organizer reiterates that civic celebrations rely on steady, often unheralded labor. Simpson’s honor celebrates that work and points to the ongoing need for community support to sustain the traditions she helped build.