Mardi Gras is the day you can leave your everyday self at home and take to the streets. There is no “over-the-top” or “over-dressed” during Carnival. It is a time of year that you can embrace your vices and your alter ego. Let the good times roll this weekend and remember they call it Fat Tuesday for a reason, indulge yourselves.
Dress up your dogs and kiddos in their Mardi Gras best for the Natchitoches Humane Society’s Krewe of Wag-uns Parade Saturday, February 6th at 4 p.m. Get there early to register at 3 p.m. before the parade line-up at 3:45 p.m. in the Bank of Montgomery parking lot. Bring your own throws, candy and dog treats to get those tails wagging. The parade will roll from the bank, south on Front Street to Touline Street, and east on Rue Beauport to the downtown riverbank. The fun doesn’t stop there, a King and Queen’s “Pawty” will ensue directly after the parade. Prizes will be awarded for Best Float, Best Dressed Pet and Best Dressed Child. The entry fee for the parade is only $5 and pets can be registered for the chance to be crowned as “King Rex-Rufus” or “Queen Mutt-A-Gras.” Golf carts are permissible if driven by adults. Children can ride scooters, bicycles and wagons, but must be accompanied by an adult. No ATVs are permitted. For information about the parade and admissible animals, call the Humane Society at 357-3885. All funds benefit animal spay and neuter programs in Natchitoches Parish.
Mardi Gras Natchitoches style, follow the Krewe of Dionysos through the looking glass Saturday, February 6th at 6 p.m. The family friendly nighttime parade consists of a dozen or more super floats and much more. Catch throws including beads, cups and specialty items from members masquerading as your favorite Alice in Wonderland characters. The parade will roll from the stage parking lot down South Drive to Keyser Avenue; to Keyser Avenue; Left onto Keyser Avenue to Keyser Avenue Bridge; Right onto Jefferson to Front Street to Washington Street; Left onto Texas Street to Second Street; Left onto Second Street to Church Street where the parade ends.
“I could not believe that these simpering masks concealed the everyday faces of men and women such as I knew constituted the workday world. I soon gave it up and accepted the madness as something altogether delightful.”- Fabulous New Orleans by Lyle Saxon
When one wears a Mardi Gras mask they become free to be whomever they desire to be. This tradition adds an element of mystery and intrigue to Carnival. Keep this tradition alive and pass it down by making it in to a fun activity for the fmaily. Masks don’t have to expensive or fancy and be created from materials that your have around the house. Look in your recycle bin for some cardboard, your sew pile for some fabric and your catch all drawer for buttons, trinkets and add-ons to make your or your children’s masks unique and fun. A little paint, glue and glitter go a long way.