You don’t have to travel south to “laissez les bon temps rouler” for Mardi Gras. For over three decades, the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association (AMGA) has brought the best of Mardi Gras from the Big Easy to the Real Easy! Since its inception, the goal of the AMGA has been to provide a cultural event, appealing to all cross sections of the community, state, and region. Each year, nearly 200,000 revelers from across the region converge on Cenla to enjoy the food, festivities, and fun, helping to stimulate the economy right here at home!
After a year off, Mr. Mardi Gras himself, Chris Chelette, is back at the helm as President of the AMGA. “It is an amazing feeling being back,” he explained. “The few that knew I was gone have welcomed me back with open arms, but most really didn’t know a thing. It warms my heart from both sides, to be appreciated and welcomed back, but to also be such a part of it that they never knew I was gone.”
After Mother Nature was less than cooperative for Mardi Gras weekend in 2024, forcing the cancellation of several events, Chris and the entire AMGA are looking forward to making up for lost time this year! “Mardi Gras 2025 I am most looking forward to is reconnecting with the Krewes and our Grand Marshal,” he explained. “I really think Mardi Gras has flourished over the years because we do our best to connect with the community and connect with the people that are coming and watching. We’ve never really lost sight of that, so we’ve always kept the community and the front of our minds since day one and I think it’s shown over the years.”
Capturing the spirit of each Mardi Gras season is the job of an artist commissioned each year to design the official AMGA poster. This year’s poster is the creation of River Oaks Square Arts Center Resident Artist Amber Voorhies. Known for her dynamic acrylic paintings and ceramics, Voorhies has designed a striking poster that captures the spirit of Mardi Gras with a theme centered on wings and feathers—symbolizing freedom, creativity, and the transformative power of art. Official AMGA posters for this year and years past are available for purchase at alexmardigras.net.
The first parade to roll for the 2025 Mardi Gras season will be the Pineville Night of Lights Parade on Friday, February 21st. The 2025 parade begins at 7:00pm at the flagpole on the Riverfront and travels north on Main Street through Downtown Pineville to the entrance of Louisiana Christian University. Following the parade, keep the fun rolling with the after party at the Trotter Center, located at 1600 Military Highway in Pineville. This is a night of fun you don’t want to miss!
The Classic Cars and Cheerleaders Parade will kick off Alexandria’s family-oriented Mardi Gras weekend on Friday, February 28th at 5:00pm. The Classic Cars and Cheerleaders follows the AMGA Downtown Parade route which begins on Murray Street towards the river before turning left on Fifth Street to Jackson before turning onto Third Street at the Hotel Bentley. The route concludes at Third Street and St. James Street. This unique parade features classic cars paired with cheerleaders from schools and cheer/dance teams from across Central Louisiana.
After the Classic Cars and Cheerleader Parade, stroll over to the Randolph Riverfront Center at 7:00pm for the 31st Annual Taste of Mardi Gras, presented by the Louisiana Restaurant Association. The “Mardi Gras Ball for All Y’all!” gives you the chance to experience the culinary prowess of over 30 LRA member restaurants, each offering a tantalizing “taste” from their menu. All proceeds raised at the event benefit local charities and culinary education in Cenla, including: LRA Programs (Education Foundation & Louisiana ProStart); Children’s Miracle Network; Manna House Ministries; the AMGA Children’s Mardi Gras Parade; and the Food Bank of Central Louisiana.
Come out and dance the night away, eat, drink and have fun, all for a good cause! The family-friendly event will bring restaurants from across the region under one roof. Dress code is dressy-casual and fun; Mardi Gras attire is highly encouraged! Bring out the beads, wigs, and purple, green, and gold!
The lively New Natives Brass Band will open the live music for the evening. Crowd favorites, The Chee-Weez, will once again headline the evening’s live entertainment at 8:00pm. The Chee-Weez are a New Orleans-based five-piece tribute/show band that specialize in making sure you always have a great time and leave with a smile on your face. With an ever-expanding stage show including video walls, lights, lasers, and pyrotechnics, to the off-the-cuff antics, you never know what you’ll see next at a Chee-Weez show!
Taste of Mardi Gras is not just a celebration of Louisiana’s culinary heritage but also a testament to our community’s generosity. So, put on your Mardi Gras attire and be part of an unforgettable night of fun, all in the name of a good cause. We look forward to seeing you there! VIP ticketholders will enjoy reserved seating and early admission before the general public. Reserved VIP tables are $750 for a table of eight; General Admission is $50.00; Children 10 and under are $25.00. Ticket prices will increase by $10.00 on the day of the event. For more information, call (225) 240-7189, visit LRA.org, or scan the Taste of Mardi Gras QR code on Page 9.
The AMGA Children’s Parade rolls on Saturday, March 1st at 10:00am following the downtown Alexandria route. Leading the way this year will be Grand Marshal, Miss Louisiana’s Outstanding Teen 2024, Melissa Le. Melissa Le, a junior at Ruston High School, is a dedicated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) advocate and an accomplished pianist. She is the founder of STEM to Bloom: Investing in STEM Education for All, a community service initiative focused on expanding access to STEM opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Melissa actively promotes her platform through public speaking, mentorship, and collaborations with organizations like the National Girls Collaborative Project, where she serves as Co-Chair of the Youth STEM Advisory Board and a Youth Board Member.
A two-time Louisiana State Piano Champion and Miss Louisiana’s Teen talent winner, Melissa showcased her musical excellence by performing Hungarian Op. 39 at the national Miss America’s Teen Competition, where she was named Top 11 and a talent winner. Melissa aspires to major in STEM and pursue a career in dermatology, inspired by her personal experiences overcoming skin challenges. With a heart for service, a passion for learning, and a drive excellence, Melissa continues to inspire others through her leadership, talent, and advocacy.
The party doesn’t stop following the Children’s Parade! Head over to the Alexandria Zoo to keep the good times rolling for the annual Mardi Gras Party, starting at 1:00pm. The Zoo is rolling out the purple, green, and gold for a family-friendly Mardi Gras Party. Indulge in complimentary king cake from Atwood’s and get your groove on with live Zydeco and pop music by The LaCour Trio. Show off your Mardi Gras decorating skills by decking out your kid’s stroller or wagon (but let’s leave the throws for the parades, please). Regular zoo admission prices will be in effect. For more information, visit thealexandriazoo.com!
Mardi Gras weekend in the Real Easy culminates on Sunday, March 2nd at 2:00pm when the AMGA Krewes Parade rolls through Mid-City Alexandria. Since its inception in 1995, at the heart of the AMGA have been its Krewes, each one with a unique history and theme. Some Krewes—like Boogaloo, Twelfth Night, and Madea, to name just a few—have been around for decades, while others, like the Mystic Krewe of Apollo—will be rolling in their first AMGA Mardi Gras parade, after last year’s parade was, unfortunately, rained out. Each organization brings its own flair, flavor, and custom throws each year.
You, too, can get in on the action by joining a Krewe! While each Krewe has its own membership rules and bylaws, there is likely already a good fit for you. You can find a full list of active Mardi Gras Krewes at the AMGA website, alexmardigras.net. Or, if you don’t find the right fit, you can gather like-minded friends and start your own brand new Krewe! Contact the AMGA for details on how to get started.
Each year, AMGA selects a Grand Marshal to lead the grand spectacle that is the Krewe parade. “We’ve always tried to find a local Alexandria person or Louisiana native to honor as our Grand Marshal and to really bring the roots back home,” explained Chelette. “We’ve never lost sight of it being a family-focused Mardi Gras that you can bring anyone to.” This year, reigning over the AMGA Krewes Parade will be 2025 Grand Marshal, Alexandria native and LSU Gymnast, Annie Beard. “We are excited to have Annie Beard who is from right here in Alexandria, and has done such great things for herself in the gymnastics world,” said Chelette. “Talking with her and her family and seeing everyone’s enthusiasm for her to be the grand marshal, how can you not be excited for that?”
A highly accomplished athlete and scholar, Annie holds titles such as J.O. National Champion, Junior Elite, and NCAA National Champion. Recognized for excellence both on and off the mat, Annie has been honored as an Academic All-American and LSU Student Athlete of the Month. Currently pursuing a degree at Louisiana State University, she is set to graduate in the summer of 2025. Her dedication to academic achievement and athletic excellence exemplifies her drive, discipline, and commitment to success. Annie is the daughter of Ronnie and Jennifer Beard.
Thousands of revelers will line the streets of Alexandria on March 2nd, arms outstretched, chanting the familiar Mardi Gras refrain, “Throw me something, Mister!” The Krewes Parade will follow the AMGA Mid-City Route, beginning on Texas Avenue, crossing Jackson Street then onto Masonic Drive before turning on Memorial Drive to North Drive, concluding at Sam’s Club. While the route is long enough to provide plenty of space for everyone, major intersections fill up fast!
Make plans to be a part of all the fun. Whether you’re young or young at heart, there is something for everyone this year at Mardi Gras in the Real Easy!
