It seems like forever since we last came together to properly celebrate Mardi Gras in Cenla. Mardi Gras 2020 feels like a lifetime ago. Through it all, the spirit of revelry and excitement has been steadily building and, this year, we get to put that energy to good use. All across the area, it’s time to let the good times (finally) roll and celebrate Mardi Gras in Cenla!
The Town of Woodworth and the Echo community share the distinction as the first parades to roll on Saturday, February 19th at 1:00pm. The Echo Children’s Mardi Gras and Chicken Run Parade, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council #9294 begins and ends at St Frances de Salle Catholic Church. Immediately following the parade, the community is invited for a king cake and all-you-can-eat dine-in Gumbo dinner for just $6.00!
Just about 20 miles to the west, the Town of Woodworth Mardi Gras parade will also roll at 1:00pm, with line up at noon at the corner of Maison Rue Drive and Castor Plunge Road. The parade is free-wheeling, welcoming all entries. Wear costumes, bring your go-kart, horse, car, tractor, trailer, bike, trike or wagon. You can walk, roller blade, run, or skate. Anything goes!
The Rotary Club of Avoyelles presents fun for the whole family with its annual Krewe of Cyllenius Mardi Gras Parade in Marksville on Sunday, February 20th at 2:00pm. The parade will follow its traditional route through Marksville, beginning behind the Courthouse Atrium downtown. There is no entry fee to participate in the parade; however, all entrants must be pre-registered no later than Thursday, February 10th. Call (318) 359-3534 for more information.
AMGA Parade action kicks off with the Classic Cars & College Cheerleaders Parade on Friday, February 25th at 4:30pm. As its name suggests, the Classic Cars & College Cheerleaders features classic cars paired with college cheerleaders from colleges, universities, and high schools across Central Louisiana and beyond! The parade follows the same Downtown route as the Children’s Parade, rolling up Murray Street to Fifth Street, then over to Jackson Street before turning onto its final stretch down 3rd Street.
2022 CC&CC Parade Grand Marshal is Alexandria’s own weather guru, Meteorologist Nick Mikulas. Nick moved to Alexandria “for 2 years”, 20 years ago. It was not on his “radar” as a place to settle down since he’d never been here and had always been a fan of cold air and blizzards. It’s funny what meeting a local girl can do to change those long term plans! It turns out, this town—where he didn’t know a soul—quickly became home.
Nick is thrilled to be the 2022 Grand Marshal of the Classic Cars and College Cheerleaders Parade, since his main goals in life are a happy and healthy family, and to always wear comfortable clothes. You can spot Nick in your local grocery stores, in his living room watching a show with his wife Kristen, daughter Lily, and stepson Max, or sitting in a parking lot looking at his phone because the new weather models just came out, and he can’t wait until he gets home to see them. Nick is thrilled to be a part of the Central Louisiana community, and hopes to have less weather to post about this year. We need a break!
Natchitoches kicks off its Mardi Gras celebration with the Krewe of Wag-uns Children’s and Pet Parade through the Historic Downtown District on Saturday, February 26th at 3:00pm. Louisiana’s oldest city proves that Christmas isn’t the only time for lights along Cane River Lake as the Krewe of Dionysos parade rolls at 6:00pm. The parade will feature Krewe floats, community organizations, dance teams, bands, car clubs and more! The route begins at the River South Common shopping center (Stage) parking lot; turning right onto South Drive; turning left at Keyser Avenue; crossing the Keyser bridge and turning right on Jefferson Street, continuing onto Front Street; turning left onto Texas Street; and turning left onto Second Street to Church Street to end the parade route.
The AMGA 25th Annual Children’s Parade rolls at 10:00am on Saturday, February 26th, following its traditional Downtown route. The Grand Marshal for this year’s parade is Miss Louisiana’s Outstanding Teen 2021, Sophia Nawaz. Hailing from the Mardi Gras capital of the world, Sophia is a rising senior at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans. As a Pakistani-American, she hopes to serve as a role model while promoting her platform of cultural diversity and inclusion. “I want to be a role model for those that are from different ethnicities and show them that you can be whatever you want to be and accomplish whatever you put your heart to,” says Sophia.
The Town of Ball will kick off its Mardi Gras festivities with their annual parade on Sunday, February 27th at 2:00pm. If you’ve ever wanted to participate in a Mardi Gras Parade, this is the event for you! Whether you have a cool car, regular car, truck, horse, or any type of cool vehicle, you’re encouraged to join in the fun! The route follows along Highway 165 in Ball from Certified Transmission and Powell Lane to Town Hall. For more information or to register, call (318) 442-8980.
Mardi Gras in Cenla culminates with the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association Krewe Parade rolling on Sunday at 2:00pm. Showcasing its nearly two dozen member Krewes, the Association parade is the highlight of the Mardi Gras season, rolling through the crowd-lined streets of Mid-City Alexandria! The parade begins on Texas Avenue at Levin Street and rolls all the way to Masonic Drive, making its way to Memorial Drive towards its conclusion on North Boulevard.
Ed is honored to be selected as the 2022 Alexandria Mardi Gras Association Parades Grand Marshal. He has always recognized his Cenla roots and continues to immerse himself in the culture of Central Louisiana. Ed enjoys his off season by riding his horses and ATV’s and spending quality time with family. Ed has also stayed true to his commitment of giving back to the community by hosting a Turkey Giveaway, and Christmas Toy Giveaway for several years. Ed has pledged to continue seeking opportunities to help and give back to the Central Louisiana region that nurtured his early growth and development.
As you can see, the carnival season is back in a big way! You can keep up with all the happenings at MardiGrasCenla.com. So gather friends and family and head out to one—or all—of this year’s great celebrations. It’s time to let the good times (finally!) roll for Mardi Gras in Cenla!