The return of Mardi Gras

The good times will once again roll in downtown Beaumont as Mardi Gras Southeast Texas officially returns to the Great Lawn of the downtown Event Centre on Feb. 24-27 featuring parades, concerts, food, attractions, arts and crafts, and, of course, plenty of beads.

“It is so awesome to be back,” said Laura Childress, president of Mardi Gras Southeast Texas. “To be able to do it again and have an extra year of planning has really made a big difference. We were able to reflect, add new things and make it even better. It’s certainly been a challenge, but in a good way.”

Thousands will converge to celebrate, but Childress said their top priority is safety.

“We are taking a lot of precautions,” she said. “First off, it’s an outdoor event and we have laid it out differently this year to accommodate more space. We reconfigured the concert area, so it won’t be so congested. Being outdoors is a big plus. You can really spread people out.”

Masks will also be available at each entry point and there will be multiple handwashing stations strategically placed throughout the festival grounds.

So what can you expect from this year’s event? Lots.

Each day will feature parades, multiple stages of live music, fantastic food options plus specialty vendors including the Marine Corps “Marines on the Move” mobile unit simulator, dancing poodles and patrons can also witness bicycles flying through the air during a show by the amazing Stunt Masters.

The Mardi Gras festivities will officially begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24, with the Courir de Mardi Gras Parade followed by live Zydeco music from Lil Wayne Singleton, Osmosis Jones and headliner Marcus Ardoin and Da Zydeco Legendz at 8 p.m.

Three parades are slated for Friday, Feb. 25, beginning with the new Bicycle Showcase Parade at 7 p.m. Organizers have teamed with the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Spindletop Cruisers, who will decorate their bikes in festive colors, as well as help promote the Beaumont CVB’s new Beaucycles venture.

“For those who want to participate in the Bicycle Showcase Parade, they can do so for free by going online and registering at mardigrastx.com, then view parade applications,” said Christina Lockey, Beaumont CVB’s marketing director.

The Beaucycle program allows patrons to rent a bicycle, or Beaucycle, and enjoy the scenic ride around Beaumont’s historic downtown or follow one of their suggest routes for $5. Bike rental locations include the Beaumont CVB (505 Willow St.) and the Civic Center (701 Main St.).

“The Beaumont CVB has played a huge part in helping promote Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas, both in and out of town, and I really look forward to the new bike parade,” said Childress.

Following the Friday night Bicycle Showcase Parade is the Valero Krewe of Krewes Parade and the Golf Cart, ATV, 4-wheeler Showcase Parade.

Live musical performances Friday include Keyun Dickson and the Zydeco Masters, Sons of Bocephus (a tribute to Hank Jr.), Kevin Anthony and G-Town and nationally recording country artist, Tyler Farr, known for his hit songs “Redneck Crazy,” “Whiskey in My Water” and “A Guy Walks into a Bar,” at 10:30 p.m.

The Neches River Festival Capes and Crowns 5K will kickoff Saturday, Feb. 26, at 8 a.m. followed by a parade schedule that includes Royalty March and Mummer Stroll (2 p.m.), Motorcycle Showcase (5:30 p.m.) and the TotalEnergies Krew of Aurora Grande Parade at 6 p.m.

Get ready to be entertained with a full day of live music on Saturday, which includes Music Box, Pop Gun, Mummers, Carnival Latino Trino Band, Step Rideau and Zydeco Outlaws, Carnival Latino – Magia Loco and a headlining performance by three-time Grammy Award-winning artist, Nelly, at 10 p.m.

Originally scheduled to headline last year, Nelly will perform all his chart-topping songs such as “Country Grammar,” “E.I.,” “Ride wit Me,” “Hot in Herre” and “Air Force Ones.”

Three parades are slated for Sunday, Feb. 27, starting with the Munchkin Parade at 1 p.m., Umbrella Parade at 2 p.m., the new Krewe de Mardi Paws where patrons can dress up their pups  (and free to enter) at 3 p.m. and the ExxonMobil Truck Parade at 4 p.m.

Sunday musical entertainment features Ole Lonesome and Los Chicos Del 512 – The Selena Experience.

Tickets to enter are $10 on Thursday and Sunday, $15 for Friday and Saturday, or a take advantage of the $40 four-day pass.

“We do encourage everyone to buy your tickets online, in advance, at mardigrastx.com or at any Market Basket location,” added Childress. “That will keep you from standing in line at the gates.”

Kids of all ages can also enjoy the carnival grounds that will feature rides from classic to modern. There is no gate admission fee to enter the carnival grounds, but a carnival Funpass can be purchased for $20 and ride unlimited rides for that day.

“One of the few multi-day events that we have in Beaumont, Mardi Gras Southeast Texas lends itself for visitors to book their overnight stay and take part in the different parades, activities, and entertainment for the whole weekend,” said Executive Director of CVB, Dean Conwell. “With an average of over 35,000 attendees, Mardi Gras Southeast Texas encourages visitors of all ages to experience the Cajun fun and bring in new dollars that are spread throughout our community.”

For detailed information, view mardigrastx.com.