Mardi Gras makes its appearance in Natchitoches on Saturday, February 21 with lots of great FREE things to do.On festival day, the streets of Natchitoches will be swarming with purple, green and gold. The Krewe of Wag-uns Parade, featuring both children and pets, will kick-off activities at 2 pm.
Throughout the day, fun for the whole family can be found. Special entertainment includes Jelly the Clown with LAFF-CO (Louisiana Association of Family Fun – Clown Organization) who will entertain children with balloon art and magic shows. The Natchitoches Parish Library will be downtown with their bookmobile providing Mardi Gras masks for children to decorate and give away free beads. A children’s area will be provided behind Exchange Bank with inflatable jumpers, a rock wall and bungee jumps. The Northwestern Theatre Out on a Limb Improv Troupe will provide entertainment for children and adults with interactive skits and performances.
Musical entertainment will be provided by Hardrick Rivers and Rivers Revue. Attendees are also encouraged to participate in tailgating on the downtown riverbank.
Participants may bring throws and candy, but they are not required. Pets should be on a leash and owners must be present at all times. No ATVs are permitted. Golf carts are permissible if drive by an adult. Children can ride scooters, bicycles, wagon, etc, and must be accompanied by an adult.
Anyone interested in participating in the Krewe of Wag-uns parade should meet at the Bank of Montgomery parking lot, located at 814 Washington Street, at 1 pm. Awards will be given for the best pet costume and best decorated children’s entry.
The Krewe of Dionysos, one of the local Mardi Gras Krewes, will host their Mardi Gras Parade on February 21. The parade will begin on the east side of Natchitoches at 5:30 p.m. and continue to downtown Natchitoches.
The parade consists of approximately 50 units with 9 super floats. The floats will carry costumed riders who will throw trinkets, beads and candy.
Downtown businesses will be open for meals and shopping. So stop, shop, and say hello to all the shop owners and staff.
For more information about Mardi Gras events or other upcoming events, contact the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-259-1714 or log on our website at www.natchitoches.net.
Source: Latisha McDaniel, Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
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