Mardi Gras parades are set for Feb. 24-26, 2017, in Jefferson, Texas. (Courtesy)

 

Mardi Gras events bring revelry to the region in February

 

 

DANNY MOGLE, danny@inmagtexas.com

 

Who doesn’t love the fun and revelry of a Mardi Gras?

Not everyone can get away to New Orleans where the largest celebrations are held each February. Now, thanks to several events in East Texas and in Shreveport/Bossier City, Louisiana, revelers don’t have to go so far.

Here are some of the bigger events in the region that capture the spirit of Mardi Gras.

 

HENDERSON’S MARDI GRAS 2017

In Henderson, the Mardi Gras 2017 is set for Feb. 18.

The event will include a gumbo cookoff, bands performing, Mardi Gras-themed booths and the sale of king cake cupcakes, said information from Henderson’s department of tourism.

Activities will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Heritage Square downtown.

Patrons will be able to purchase tickets that will allow them to sample the gumbo dishes of cookoff contestants, gain access to a beer and wine garden and get king cake cupcakes, some of which hold prizes.

Among the bands that are set to perform is Zydeco Band from Louisiana, the information said.

 

 

PALESTINE’S TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS

Palestine will present its fifth annual A Taste of New Orleans on Feb. 18. The event includes food demonstrations, music and a Mardi Gras parade.

The celebration of Louisiana-style cuisine shows the talents of Palestine area chefs and wineries, said a posting from the city Main Street office. The festivities start at 11:30 a.m. with chefs stationed throughout downtown demonstrating how to make classic Cajun dishes and pairing the food with selections from area wineries.

Bands also will also be performing.

A parade following a route downtown will begin at 5:30 p.m. and feature colorful Mardi Gras-style floats with riders tossing beads.

 

JEFFERSON’S MARDI GRAS UPRIVER

Jefferson will celebrate its annual Mardi Gras Upriver Feb. 24-26. The three days are full of parades, live music and events downtown, said information from chamber officials.

On Feb. 24, the Doo Dah Parade will step off at 7 p.m. at Lion’s Park. Everyone is invited to dress in a Mardi Gras-themed attire and take part, and then stick around for a dance immediately following.

Singer Sarah Hobbs is schedule to perform from 7 to 10 p.m. on the Main Stage.

Two parades are set for Feb. 25. The motorcycle parade begins at 1:45 p.m. and the Grand Parade is set for 2 p.m.

Entertainment from the Main Stage will include the bands Boudreaux from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundance Head from 3 to 6 p.m. and What the Funk? from 7 to 10 p.m.

Events on Feb. 26 include a children’s parade at 2 p.m. followed by a pet parade and pet contests.

Texas Music Hall of Fame Showcase winners will perform on the stage.

Food and craft vendors will be set up downtown during Mardi Gras Upriver events.

 

SHREVEPORT’/BOSSIER CITY PARADES

Several Mardi Gras parades are scheduled in Shreveport/Bossier City on weekends in February.

The Krewe of Centaur Parade XXVI is set for Feb. 18 and the Crew of Gemini Parade is set for Feb. 25. These are two of the larger parade. They both begin at 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Clyde Fant Parkway and Lake streets and will follow a route south on the parkway.

Other parades are set for:

— Feb. 4: 6 p.m. at 1039 Washington Avenue;

— Feb 19: pet parade 4 p.m. at 2000 Reeves Marine Drive;

— Feb. 26: 1 p.m. at the corner of Gilbert and Gregg streets.

— Feb. 28: children’s parade 6:30 p.m. at Pierre-Bossier Mall, 2590 E. Texas St., Bossier City.