Planning now for early Mardi Gras — Sign up begins

Published 5:00 am Sunday, October 15, 2017

Bayou Mardi Gras Association announced this week the date for the 2018 Parade — The Second Annual Bayou Mardi Gras Association Parade will roll at 6 p.m. January 13, 2018, through historic downtown New Iberia

In 2017, after a two year hiatus, the Bayou Mardi Gras Association formed the parade to give residents and visitors in Iberia Parish an opportunity to experience a Mardi Gras Festival right here at home, as well as a way to regionally promote its special community.

“Last year’s parade was seen as a catalyst for many projects and a renewed pride in Iberia Parish,” said Pat Norris, Bayou Mardi Gras Association President. “We received a great deal of positive feedback and appreciation from the community after the parade. We hope to use the parade to continue to construct this sense of pride going forward.”

The Association made the decision to move the parade to a Saturday evening this year and is adding a focus on New Iberia’s downtown merchants. The businesses are encouraged to take part in the celebration by offering extended hours, themed sales or offerings and appropriate window decorations.

Last year’s event saw some of the biggest parade crowds ever experienced in New Iberia, according to the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Department.

“When we looked at the results at the end of the night, the crowds were thick with those young and old, and the restaurants downtown were full to capacity. It was the perfect night to showcase our Parish. We are looking for a repeat performance,” said Beau Beaullieu, Bayou Mardi Gras Association Vice President.

While the Bayou Mardi Gras Association is planning on repeating the same results as last year, the Association is working on a couple of new surprises for those in attendance.

For more information or to be considered for participation, call Mike Wattigny at 577.4904.