Huntsville Mardi Gras Parade Honors Microwave Dave

Float pays tribute to local music icon just one week after his passing

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Thousands of spectators lined the streets of downtown Huntsville, Alabama on Saturday for the city's annual Mardi Gras parade. Among the themed floats was one from the Jazzy Jesters honoring legendary local musician and music educator Microwave Dave Gallaher, who had passed away just one week prior.

Why it matters

Microwave Dave was a beloved figure in the Huntsville music scene, known for his contributions to music education and his decades-long career as a blues musician. His passing was deeply felt by the community, and the parade float served as a touching public tribute to his legacy.

The details

The Mardi Gras parade featured marching units and elaborately decorated floats. Spectators packed the "throw zone" where they begged for beads, treats, and plush throws from the passing floats. The Jazzy Jesters' float specifically honored Microwave Dave, who had died just one week earlier.

  • The parade took place on Saturday afternoon, February 15, 2026.
  • Microwave Dave Gallaher had passed away one week prior to the parade.

The players

Microwave Dave Gallaher

A legendary local musician and music education advocate in Huntsville, Alabama who passed away one week before the Mardi Gras parade.

Jazzy Jesters

A group that entered a float in the Huntsville Mardi Gras parade honoring Microwave Dave.

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The takeaway

The Mardi Gras parade float honoring Microwave Dave's memory just one week after his passing was a touching tribute from the Huntsville community to a beloved local icon who left an indelible mark on the city's music scene.