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Photo by Tim Sudela
Photo by Tim Sudela -
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Chingy
Chingy
The magic of Mardi Gras has officially arrived. Laissez les bons temps rouler at the 33rd annual Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas, which opens in downtown Beaumont on Thursday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 11.
The Great Lawn at the Downtown Event Centre (700 Crockett St.) is the center of all the activities that include delicious Cajun food, live music with national headliners and plenty of local talent plus parades, and of course, all the beads a person could want.
Whether thousands are singing along this weekend with musical acts Chingy, Lil’ Flip, Marshall Tucker Band and Three Thirty-Seven or riding the Ferris wheel and partaking in parades, many may be surprised to find out that Mardi Gras Southeast Texas is an official (501c3) nonprofit charitable organization that was literally built on philanthropy some 24 years ago.
Laura Childress, one of the original founding members and MGSETX president since 2005, explained that the organization was created alongside 18 other nonprofits in 1993.
“These organizations are the ‘owners,’ so to speak, of Mardi Gras Southeast Texas,” she said. “They receive the benefits of any proceeds that are made at Mardi Gras.”
According to Childress, each nonprofit supplies the volunteers, so there is a volunteer incentive program, meaning the more volunteers they recruit and provide, the more money each organization earns.
“There is a baseline contribution each year,” she said, “but the more you put into it the more you get out of it.”
What started with 18 nonprofits has now decreased to 13 in 2024.
“Different agencies, groups and organizations have dissolved in time while others have closed or even relocated after all the storms we had,” said Childress. “Our goal is to take on two or three new nonprofit organizations that can help Mardi Gras grow. We like a good mix from both Beaumont and Port Arthur, but we also want this to benefit the entire area.”
With no paid employees and using all volunteers, there is a herculean effort put forward with planning and hosting Mardi Gras every year. “It truly is a community effort,” she said. “From the city, the organization, and the public. If all three aren’t in sync, no one wins.”
A goal of the organization is to bring in young, energetic people with fresh ideas, which helps bring new life to Mardi Gras.
Krewes are another important aspect to Mardi Gras. A “krewe” is a group of people who get together to enjoy the Mardi Gras season in Southeast Texas and faithfully uphold the Mardi Gras spirit throughout the year.
“We can foster and mentor a new krewe, so they can be ready for 2025,” she said. “Krewes participate in parades where you can advertise your company as well as show your participation in the community.”
Those interested in creating a krewe can call Childress at (409) 721-8717 or email laura@mardigrassetx.com.
Heading into its fourth year in Beaumont, Childress said the move from Port Arthur has been a learning curve, especially when 2021 was canceled due to the pandemic.
“This year has gone exceptionally well as far as layout, electrical needs and vendors,” she said. “The plan is now to finely tune things.”
Each year, Mardi Gras also has a significant impact on the local economy, tourism, and the community.
“Mardi Gras Southeast Texas is more than just a celebration,” said Christina Lokey, Marketing Director Beaumont CVB. “Residents not only enjoy a weekend full of parades, games, food, and music, but visitors also are drawn to the area. Multi-day events mean overnight stays, which accounts for higher hotel occupancy revenue. Visitor spending directly impacts our restaurants, and local businesses, too. We invite residents and visitors alike to join together for a celebration of culture and tradition. This annual event is just one of many that fosters a strong community and sense of identity.”
Tickets are needed to enter the gated area, which includes concerts and stage activities. Single day admission tickets are $10 on Thursday, $20 on Friday, $25 on Saturday, and $15 on Sunday. Children 12 and under are free. Four-day value passes ($50) and VIP tickets are also available. Organizers encourage patrons to buy online in advance at mardigrastx.com to avoid lengthy entry lines.