It’s Mardi Gras Time!

Published 3:05 pm Thursday, January 30, 2014

By Aimee Cormier
ads@acadianalifestyle.com

By Paris Brewster

The good times always roll during Mardi Gras and this year is no exception. This handy guide provides the dates, times and locations of some of the best events in Acadiana to ensure you make the most of this exciting season.

MARDI GRAS BALLS

Most balls are private events reserved for krewe members and their guests. However, there are some balls that sell tickets to the general public as a way to raise funds. These grand galas are the prelude to parade season.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Krewe d’ Amusement Ball, Cajundome Convention Center, 444 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, 6:30 p.m. For more information call 265-2100.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Krewe de Wide Lode Ball, Cajundome Convention Center, Lafayette. For time and more information call 265-2100.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Mystic Krewe of Attakapas Ball, Heyman Center, 1373 South College Road, Lafayette, 8 p.m. For more information call 291-5540.

Krewe of Olympus Ball, Cajundome Convention Center, Lafayette. For time and more information call 265-2100.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Krewe de Danse Ball, Cajundome Convention Center, Lafayette, 7 p.m. For more information call 981-8193 or 233-6793.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Krewe des Chiens – People Ball, City Club at River Ranch, 1000 Camellia Boulevard, Lafayette, 7 – 11 p.m. For more information call 984-7611.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Mystic Krewe of Apollo Ball, Cajundome Convention Center, Lafayette, 8 p.m. For information call 265-2100.

Mardi Gras Cancer Ball/Fundraiser, Community Center, 8th Street, Lake Arthur, 7 p.m. to midnight. Gumbo and King Cake served for $50 Donation/Admission. For more information call 774-3675.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Rotary Club Mardi Gras Ball, Cade Community Center, 1688 Smede Highway, St. Martinville, 7 p.m. For more information visit stmartinville.org.

Order of the Troubadours Ball, Heymann Center, Lafayette, 8 p.m. For more information call 291-5540.

Krewe des Amis Thirty – 33rd Annual Ball, Youngsville Center, 727 Young Street, Youngsville, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Krewe of Xanadu Ball, Cajundome Convention Center, Lafayette, 8 p.m. For more information call 265-2100.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

Annual Cornucopia Ball, 121 South New Market Street, St. Martinville, 7 p.m. For more information call 789-3592.

Krewe of Triton Ball, Cajundome Convention Centrer, Lafayette, 8 p.m. For more information call 265-2100.

MONDAY, MARCH 3

Krewe of Bonaparte Ball, Cajundome Convention Center, Lafayette, 8 p.m. For more information call 265-2100.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4

Southwest Mardi Gras Association Pageant & Ball, Heymann Center, Lafayette, 8 p.m. For more information call 291-5540.

DANCES AND FAIS-DO-DO’S

Fais do-dos, which means “go to sleep” in Cajun French, are festive cultural events suffused with the sounds of Cajun and Zydeco music.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Le Krewe du le Originales et les Enfants Courir de Mardi Gras and

brFais-do-do, 3 p.m. – midnight, $10 admission. Dance to the music of Gino Delafose. Duck Festival Grounds will open for campers and horse trailers at noon. 404 Dallas Guidry Road, Gueydan. For information call 536-7704.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Grand Marais Mardi Gras Children’s Dance, Mon Ami, 7304 East Highway 90, Jeanerette, 3 – 6 p.m. Costume judging beings at 4:30 p.m. Winners will be announced and will ride in the parade. For information call 365-8185.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Grand Marais Mardi Gras Dance, Mon Ami, 7304 East Highway 90, Jeanerette, 9 p.m. – 2a.m. Costume judging at begins at 11 p.m. For more information call 365-8185, or visit Facebook.com/MonAmi.GrandMarais.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

Grand Marais Mardi Gras Street Dance, Mon Ami, 7304 East Highway 90, Jeanerette, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. Costume judging at 11 p.m. For information call 365-8185, or visit eunice-la.com.

MARCH 2

Grand Marais Mardi Gras Dance, Mon Ami, 7304 East Highway 90, Jeanerette, 7 p.m. – midnight. Costume judging at 10 p.m. For more information call 365-8185.

MARCH 3

Grand Marais Mardi Gras Dance, Mon Ami, 7304 East Highway 90, Jeanerette, 9 p.m.– 2 a.m. Costume judging at 10 p.m. Winners of court will be announced and will ride in the parade. For more information call: 365-8185

City Of Opelousas Presents Lundi Gras, Opelousas Civic Center, 1638 Creswell Lane, 5 – 8:30 p.m. Music and entertainment by Geno Delafose and French Rockin Boogie, and also Geraldine Soileau. Along with the festivities there will be face-painting and a contest for the best Mardi Gras costume with prizes to be given away. Beverages and food will be available for purchase on site. For information, contact City of Opelousas Tourism Office at 948-6263 or visit www.cityofopelousas.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4

Old Fashioned Fais-do-do Barn Dance, Lakeview Park & Beach, 1717 Veterans Memorial Highway, Eunice. For more information call 457-2881, or visit lvpark.com.

Mardi Gras Show at Clark Field, Clark Field Stadium, 721 West Butcher Switch Road, Lafayette,10 a.m. – 8 p.m. For more information visit mardigrasshow.com.

MARDI GRAS PARADES

Parade watchers have eagerly awaited the toss and catch of Mardi Gras trinkets since the late 1800s. This time honored tradition remains a favorite, and as the beads fly parade goers yell, “Throw me something, Mister!” Special memorabilia with each krewe’s emblem are popular collector’s items for children and adults alike. Wander into the fray and find a spot near the street barriers, but be respectful of those around you and keep Mardi Gras fun and safe with the tips highlighted on page 36.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Krewe of Andalusia Mardi Gras Parade, Historic Downtown, 102 West Main Street, New Iberia, 6:00 p.m. Established in 1991, the parade began as a commemorative celebration of the 35th anniversary of Krewe of Andalusia and is now recognized as the first and oldest parade in the city of New Iberia. One of the parade highlights is the selection of the Grand Marshall. For more information call 367-6466.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Le Krewe du le Originales et les Enfants Mardi Gras parade, Duck Festival Grounds, 404 Guidry Road, Gueydan, 3 p.m. The parade route runs along Main Street. For more information call 789-6134.

Krewe des Chiens Canine Parade, Lafayette Public Library – Downtown Branch, 538 Jefferson Street, Lafayette, 2 p.m. Parade theme is Las Vegas Casino des Chiens and is a fun and festive way to celebrate Mardi Gras while helping less fortunate animals. For information visit paradefordogs.com or inquire with questions at snipit@paradefordogs.com Stay tuned to 97.3 The Dawg for local weather forecasts on parade day. In the event of a weather related cancelation parade will not be rescheduled, and registration fees will be considered an act of donation.

Krewe of Carnivale en Rio Mardi Gras Parade, Downtown – Surrey/Jefferson Streets to Cajun Field, 6:30 p.m. Known for its bold representation of Brazil, colorful floats, popular trinkets and reputation for hosting the best party in town, Rio was founded in 2005 and rolls into the celebration of over 100,000 spectators. For more information visit riolafayette.com.

Carencro Mardi Gras Parade, Carencro High School, 721 West Butcher Switch Road to the Carencro Community Center, 11 a.m. For more information visit carencro.org.

Lake Arthur Mardi Gras Parade, Corner of Lake and New Orleans Street,Lake Arthur, 2:30 p.m. Check out old fashion Mardi Gras Runs for additional information or call 774-3675.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Scott Mardi Gras Parade, City of Scott, 1 p.m. For more information call 269-5155, or visit cityofscott.org.

Krewe of Ezana Jeanerette Mardi Gras Parade, Canal, Martin Luther King Boulevard and Main Streets, Jeanerette, 1 – 3 p.m. For more information call 365-1540, 276-4387 or 276-4933.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Lafayette’s Kick-Off Parade, Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette, 6:30 p.m. For more information visit gomardigras.com.

The Krewe of Adonis Parade, Morgan City Municipal Auditorium, Myrtle Street, Morgan City to the intersection of Brashear and Federal Avenues, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

Krewe of Bonaparte Mardi Gras Parade, Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette, 6:30 p.m. Visit gomardigras.com.

Baldwin Mardi Gras Parade, Highway 182/Main Street at the Sager – Brown facility to the Baldwin Community Center, noon.

Jennings Mardi Gras Festival & Parade, Founder’s Park, 341 North Main Street, Jennings. For information visit cityofjennings.com or call: 821-5531.

The Krewe of Dionysus Parade, Gilmore Street to Berick High School on Pattie Drive, Berwick, 2 p.m.

Lake Fausse Pointe Mardi Gras Parade, Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, 5400 Levee Road, St. Martinville, 2 p.m. For information visit lastateparks.com, or call 888-677-7200.

Youngsville Mardi Gras Parade, Public Works building, 310 Railroad Street to Fountain View, Youngsville. For information call 856-4181 or visit youngsville.us.

SUNDAY, MARCH 2

Newcomers Mardi Gras Parade, Main Street, St. Martinville, 1 p.m. For more information call 380-6031.

Krewe of Galatea Parade, Second Street under the LA 182 Bridge to the Municipal Auditorium on Mertle Street, Morgan City, 2 p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 3

Queen’s Evangeline’s Parade, Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette, 6 p.m. For information visit gomardigras.com.

Krewe of Amani Parade, Patterson High 2525 LA 102 to the Place Norman Shopping Center, Patterson, 2 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4

Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade, Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette,1 p.m. For more information visit gomardigras.com, or call 291-5566.

King’s Gabriel’s Parade, Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette, 10 a.m. For information visit gomardigras.com.

KADN/KLAF Fox 15 Independent Parade, Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette, 2 p.m. For more information visit gomardigras.com.

Grand Marais Mardi Gras Parade: Parade Route: Hwy 90 E. at College Road, Jeanerette at 11 a.m. For more information call: 365-8185

Krewe of Coteau Mardi Gras Parade, Francis Romero Memorial Park, 6310 Coteau Road and LA 88, Coteau, 1 p.m. For information call 577-5099.

Family Affair Mardi Gras Parade, Main St, Loreauville, 2 p.m. For more information call 229-6001.

Krewe Chic-A-La-Pie Mardi Gras Parade, Cushing Boulevard, Kaplan, 2 p.m. Family-friendly and old-fashioned festivities. For more information call 643-6554.

Half Fast Krewe of Frank’s Mardi Gras Parade, East Landry and Bellevue Streets, Opelousas. For information call 351-6943, or visit cajuntravel.com.

Franklin Mardi Gras Parade, Franklin Senior High, Corner of Cynthia and West Main Streets to Third Street, Franklin, 1 p.m.

Krewe of Hephaestus Parade, Corner of Sixth and Sycamore Streets to Morgan City Auditorium on Myrtle Street, Morgan City, 2 p.m.

Old Fashion Mardi Gras Runs

The age- old tradition of the Courir de Mardi Gras is steeped deep within medieval traditions. Ceremonial begging and ritualistic chanting is displayed by masked revelers dressed in homemade patchwork costumes. Revelers traditionally used such displays to collect various ingredients needed for an evening community gumbo. Revelers ride the countryside by horseback or wagon and entertain homeowners with comical rivalry in their attempt to chase and capture a live chicken for the evening gumbo. If you would like to watch the running of the Mardi Gras, find a convenient date and time!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Courir de Mardi Gras – Old-Fashion Mardi Gras Run in Vermilionville, Vermilionville’s Historic Village, 300 Fisher Road, Lafayette, 11 – 1 p.m., $5 admission and free to children under 5. For more information visit vermilionville.org, or call 233-4077.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Le Krewe du le Originales et les Enfants Mardi Gras Run: Courir de Mardi Gras, Duck Festival Grounds, 404 Dallas Guidry Road, Gueydan, 4 – 7 p.m. Chicken Run for Children. Auction, raffle, dance and live music by Gino Delafose. For more information call 536-7704.

Old Fashion Mardi Gras Run, Corner of Lake and New Orleans Street, Lake Arthur, 8 a.m. Check our children’s events for additional information. For more information call 774-3675.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MARCH 1 – 2

Courir de Mardi Gras, Saddle Tramp Club House, 1038 East Ebey Street, Downtown Church Point. Saturday Children’s Parade – Children 14 years and under $10. No horses or alcohol allowed on Children’s Mardi Gras Run. 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.: Sign-Up/Late Registration, 10:00 a.m.: Run Begins, 1:00 p.m.: Children’s Courir de Mardi Gras on Main Street. Sunday Adult’s Parade – 21 to 35 years old $35, under 21 years old $25. Must have a valid government I.D. or driver’s license. 7 a.m.: sign-up, Run begins at 8 a.m. For information visit churchpointmardigras.com, or call 877-783-2109.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4

27th Tee Mamou-Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival and Old Fashion Mardi Gras Run, Downtown, Iota, 9 a.m. For more information call, 877-783-2109, or visit iotamardigras.com.

Eunice Courir de Mardi Gras, National Guard Armory, 751 South 9th Street near Downtown, Eunice, 8 a.m. For information visit eunice-la.com.

Mamou Mardi Gras, Downtown, Mamou. For information call 468-3105.

Child Friendly Events

Lafayette and surrounding areas pride themselves on providing spectators with child friendly events that share the Cajun Mardi Gras history and tradition with younger generations.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Courir de Mardi Gras – Old-Fashion Mardi Gras Run in Vermilionville, 300 Fisher Road, Lafayette, $5 admission and free to children under 5. For information visit vermilionville.org, or call 233-4077.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Krewe des Chiens Parade for Dogs, Downtown, Lafayette, 2 p.m. For more information visit paradefordogs.com.

Le Krewe du le Originales et les Enfants Mardi Gras Run: Courir de Mardi Gras, Duck Festival Grounds, 4 – 7 p.m. Chicken Run for Children. Auction, raffle, dance and live music by Gino Delafose. For more information call 536-7704.

Old Fashion Mardi Gras Children’s Chicken Run, Corner of Lake and New Orleans Street, Lake Arthur, 3:30 p.m. For more information call 774-3675.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Grand Marais Mardi Gras Children’s Dance, Mon Ami, 7304 East Higway 90, Jeanerette, 3 – 6 p.m. Costume judging at 4:30 p.m. Winners will ride in parade. For more information call 365-8185.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

Lafayette Children’s Parade, Downtown to Cajun Field, Lafayette, 12:30 p.m. For more information visit gomardigras.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 2

Eunice “Little Mardi Gras,” (ages 0-16) Recreation Complex on Sittig Road, Eunice, 9 a.m. For more information visit eunice-la.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4

Family Affair Mardi Gras Parade, Main Street, Loreauville, 2 p.m.Mardi Gras Festivals, & Special Events Various events and festivals educate and/or financially support the traditional custom of Mardi Gras and future expenses.

ONGOING THROUGH MARDI GRAS CARNIVAL

Oaklawn Manor, 3296 East Oaklawn Drive, Franklin, Tuesday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission $15 ($10 for students). Magnificently decorated plantation in Mardi Gras colors. For more information contact Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau at 985-395-4905.

JANUARY 1 – MARCH 18

Free Art Exhibit, Jean Lafitte National Park & Reserve, Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, 250 West Park Avenue, Eunice. Western Acadia Parish Rural Mardi Gras Art Exhibit featuring costumes, official area Mardi Gras songs, and timeline information starting from the 1800s.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Krewe des Chiens – Silent Auction, City Club at River Ranch, 1000 Camellia Boulevard, Lafayette, 7 p.m., admission $50.00 For more information call 984-7611.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

A Color Vibe 5K and Cajun Mardi Gras Celebration, Acadian Village, Lafayette, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. The event will benefit LARC. Participants will get covered with vibrant colored powder along the race route and have a blast becoming “human rainbows.” Following the 5K, a Cajun Mardi Gras celebration will be held inside Acadian Village with activities such as a traditional Courir de Mardi Gras, mini parade, educational Mardi Gras activities, costume contest, arts & crafts, beads drive, live Cajun music, and food provided by

brlocal food trucks. The race begins at 8 am, followed by the Cajun Mardi Gras event at 10 a.m. This event is free to the public. Acadian Village will sell custom-designed Mardi Gras beads in exchange for a $5 donation to support the event. Race registration and pricing

bravailable at thecolorvibe.com. For information, visit acadianvillage.org, or call

br981-2364.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

Herb Roe’s Le Courir Exhibit Reception, Jean Lafitte National Park & Preserve, Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, 250 West Park Avenue, Eunice,

br12 – 3 p.m. The exhibit– Explorations of Community and Culture in a World turned upside-down; artwork by Herb Roe– features 20 oil paintings and graphite drawings depicting the colorful costumes, music and revelry of the rural Mardi Gras runs across Louisiana prairies.

SUNDAY, MARCH 2

King Gabriel Luncheon, Cajundome Convention Center, Lafayette, 1 p.m. For more information call 265-2100.

Old Time Boucherie, Eunice City Hall, 300 South 2nd Street, 10 a.m. For more information visit eunice-la.com.

MARCH 2 – MARCH 4

Carnival D’Acadie, Downtown, Crowley. For more information call 783-0824, or visit crowley-la.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 3

Lundi Gras at the Village, Le Vieux Village, 828 East Landry Street, Opelousas, For more information visit cityofopelousas.com.

Opelousas Lundi Gras Celebration, Opelousas Civic Center, 1638 Creswell Lane, Opelousas, 5:30 – 8 p.m. For more information call 948-6263, or visit cityofopelousas.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4

King’s Court Costume Contest, Parc Sans Souci, 201 East Vermilion Street, Lafayette, 9 a.m. Bands and parade viewing throughout the day from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. For information visit downtownlafayette.org, or call

br291-5566.

FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 4

Le Festival de Mardi Gras à Lafayette, Cajun Field, Lafayette. Celebrate with live music and local food while waiting to view the parade lineups. Local favorites such as Geno Delafose, Frank Foster, Chee Weez, Corey Ledet, Molly Ringwalds, Ray Boudreaux, Wayne Toups, Lafayette’s Bayou Boys, Gregg Martinez and many more are scheduled for your Mardi Gras entertainment. Come dance and celebrate with us at Cajun Field! For information visit gomardigras.com, or Facebook: Le Festival de Mardi Gras à Lafayette.

27th Tee Mamou-Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival, Downtown, Iota. For more information call 877-783-2109, or visit iotamardigras.com.

Opelousas Downtown Mardi Gras Celebration, Downtown, Opelousas. For more information visit cityofopelousas.com.