[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 3 (Friday, January 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E5]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING 50 YEARS OF MARDI GRAS HIDDEN FIGURES: THE COLOMBOS

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                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 5, 2018

  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of two 
prominent individuals of Carnival Season, Suzie and Anthony Colombo, 
for their tremendous contribution of costume-making. The Colombos will 
be celebrating their 50th anniversary of costume making this upcoming 
Mardi Gras season 2018.
  Mr. Colombo first began designing costumes nearly five decades ago. 
He believes that the importance of a costume is to bring it to life as 
if it was telling a story, and that is exactly what Mr. Colombo 
executes with each headpiece he designs. Mr. Colombo has also been able 
to transcend from the original size of collars to much larger, ornate 
pieces. His dazzling designs have become very distinctive among krewes 
as they would gleam along the parade routes being worn by many notable 
clubs such as Zulu, Endymion, and Caesar just to name a few.
  Working alongside Mr. Colombo is his daughter, Suzie Colombo. Suzie 
would often joke about her father's concept of size when it comes to 
his head piece designs due to them constantly getting bigger and 
bigger. Suzie is known as the brain in the family business. She puts 
together costume design ideas and executes them thoroughly. From the 
head piece on down to the shoes, she has it all planned out and ready 
within a year.
  The designs created by this father and daughter team have caught the 
attention of many and contributed to the excitement of Mardi Gras. Mr. 
Colombo, who is now 83 years of age, is often asked how long he plans 
to continue this business. In response, he'll always reply, ``For as 
long as God allows me to.''
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate the legacy of Mr. Anthony and 
Ms. Suzie Colombo, two Mardi Gras legends.

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