Mardi Gras
Law Enforcement Agencies are increasing patrols throughout Mardi Gras Season. This is a concerted effort to discourage impaired driving and reduce the high incidence of crashes in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday. Last year over the holiday, there were thirteen deaths, seven of which alcohol was involved.
“Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has provided grants to law enforcement agencies across the state from Feb 6-17, and we are going to be funding DWI checkpoints and other special enforcement activities like saturation patrols,” says Lt. Col. John Leblanc with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.
The grants funded for these checkpoints are part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
LSUA Mardi Gras Parade. Tuesday, February 11; 11-1 pm. Celebrate Mardi Gras with LSUA at the annual Mardi Gras Parade. Campus organizations and departments will be throwing beads and other trinkets to those lining the streets of campus. The parade is free and open to the public.
Krewe of Antiqua Mardi Gras Party. Thursday, February 12; 6-9 pm; Think Mardi Gras is just for young folks? Well think again and look again at the Krewe of Antiqua. Presented by the Rapides Senior Citizens’ Center, INC, the Krewe of Antiqua is comprised of anyone over the age of 60 that wants to participate. For the past 14 years, this Krewe has converged to “pass a good time.” Refreshments will be provided beginning at 6:00 pm and food will be served at 7:00 pm. Dancing and fun begin at 6 pm and end at 9pm as the band plays its last song. Tickets may be purchased at any Rapides Senior Citizens Centers, the RSCC Administrative Office or at the door on the day of the event. Ticket prices are: $1.00 for those 60 and older and $3.00 for those 59 and under. For more information call 318.487.1561.
Children’s Mardi Gras Ball. Friday, February 13; 6-9 pm; The T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum is hosting a Children’s Mardi Gras Ball, an event for kids ages 4+. This parent’s night out event is the perfect chance for parents to go on an early Valentine’s Day date! Parents can drop their kids off at 6 PM, and know that their children will be fed and well entertained with Mardi Gras crafts, a pizza party, fun facts about the history of Mardi Gras, and more! Drop your kids off in their Mardi Gras regalia, and head out to dinner certain that your kids will have a night to remember! Registration is $20 per child, and children ages 4-10 are eligible to register. Registration must be completed by February 12 at 2:00 PM.
Tickets will not be available at the door. You can register by calling 318-619-9394, visiting us at the museum, or going online to [http://www.ticket-central.org!]www.ticket-central.org!
Hixson Classic Cars & College Cheerleaders Parade. Friday, February 13; 4:30 pm; Route: Downtown Alexandria – Murray – 5th – Jackson – 4th – 3rd to St. James St.
Victory Belles Concert. Friday, February 13; 7 pm; Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, Alexandria; Be entertained by this charming vocal trio who proudly serve as ambassadors of the National WWII Museum. Their spirited performances, which feature dazzling costumes, audience interaction, and musical hits such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, and God Bless America, all sung in rich, three-part harmony delight audiences around the world. Free Admission. Cotact: APACVB (318) 442-9546.
AMGA 19th Annual Children’s Parade. Saturday, February 14; 10 am; Route: Downtown Alexandria – Murray – 5th – Jackson – 4th – 3rd to St. James St.
Mardi Gras Party. Saturday, February 14; 2 pm; They all ask for you at Alexandria Zoo! Regular admission; FOTAZ Members free with card and ID. Following the Children’s Parade, celebrate Mardi Gras at the Alexandria Zoo: Enjoy sweet treats donated by Atwood’s Bakery, boogie woogie to World War II-era musical classics performed by the National WWII Museum’s charming vocal trio, the Victory Belles, from 2 pm – 3 pm., meet and greet with costumed character Curious George, and see the Malayan tiger cubs. Find your new furry best friend with the help of Alexandria Animal Shelter. The Adoption Bus will be at the Zoo with dogs available for adoption.
Mardi Gras in Natchitoches. Saturday, February 14; Happy Mardi Gras and Happy Valentine’s Day! The city of Natchitoches is ready to let the good times roll February 14th weekend! Two parades will roll through Natchitoches and culminate in the Historic District – the Krewe of Wag-uns at 4pm and the Krewe of Dionysos at 5pm! Not to mention, it’s Valentine’s Weekend! Many of our restaurants will be having Valentine’s menus for you and your loved one! Make your reservation now!
Leesville Mardi Gras Parade. Saturday, February 14; 2-3 pm. 3rd Street, Leesville. Line up starts at 12:00 noon; Beads are airborne as Leesville joins in the celebration of Mardi Gras with its very own parade held by the Chamber the Saturday before Ash Wednesday.
AMGA 22nd Annual Krewes Parade. Sunday, February 15; 2 pm; Parade Route: Texas Ave. – Masonic – Memorial – North Boulevard – Alexandria Mall
Alcohol/Tobacco Free Zone. Sunday, February 15; 11 am until parade arrives; City of Alexandria Dixie Ball field Complex/Corner of Texas & Masonic; Enter from Parking Lot across from Bringhurst Field. Join us for a parade day filled with good times and good food in our Kid Zone, Teen Zone, Health Zone and Music Zone in one of the best viewing places on the parade route! Families love the smoke and alcohol free atmosphere for children and their parents to enjoy parade day.
