Nothing can stop Louisiana from having an early Mardi Gras 2015 celebration this weekend. Parades for the famous pre-Lent carnival tradition will start in New Orleans on Friday.
Those who want to watch what was prepared for this year's much awaited event but cannot physically attend it may watch it remotely via Nola. The parade will start on Friday at 3 p.m. and will be spearheaded by the wine-dedicated Krewe of Cork, as reported by The International Business Times. The complete schedule of the parade was provided by Mardi Gras New Orleans.
Krewe of Cork, which was founded in 2000, had amazing spectacles that involved marching baby dolls in some of its previous parade segments, International Business Times recalled.
Hattiesburg Police Department reminder
Additionally, Hattiesburg American says that the Hattiesburg Police Department has already advised the public to arrive earlier at the parade venue this Saturday because they will be closing off a lot of streets. Hardy Street, North 38th Avenue, and the service drive from the frontal portion of Conestoga Steakhouse to the eastern corner of the University of Southern Mississippi campus will be blocked with "police officers and police cars."
"We want everybody to be aware that the parade does not start until 11:00 there at Fourth Street and Service Drive," said Lieutenant Jon Traxler, as quoted by Hattiesburg American. "But, we will start blocking streets at 9:30 in the morning."
Family Gras activities
Just 15 minutes away from New Orleans proper, Metairie will also have its annual Family Gras on Veterans Memorial Boulevard. It is a free admission event that showcases an art market and a kids' zone. Experience Jefferson says there will be a food court where guests can try out special themed snacks, such as crawfish pasta, muffulettas, and alligator-on-a-stick. Plus, LeAnn Rimes, Becky G, and the Beach Boys are reportedly going to be at the venue to perform.
According to ABC13, over 350,000 people are expected to take part in the festivities in Galveston Island over the next two weekends. Ivette Wilhem, who is with the Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, told Eyewitness News, as per ABC13, that their event is the third biggest in the US and the largest in Texas.
"Why Galveston for Mardi Gras?" Wilhem said. "We're amid some of the largest collection of Victorian architecture. It's a really neat ambience. You get the small town/beach feel, which is a little different for Mardi Gras."
Moreover, Universal Studios Florida will also have their own authentic and family-friendly Mardi Gras bash. Orlando United says there will be authentic New Orleans musicians, tons of glittering themed beads, Cajun cuisine, live concerts performed by some of today's high profile artists, and, of course, a fabulous parade.