Mardi Gras parades set for Feb. 18

For the record- Dave Rogers

Historical Downtown Orange will host the 14th annual Mardi Gras Krewe of Krewes Grande Parade at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18.

The theme for this year’s parade is “It’s a Party.”

It’s a traditional Mardi Gras parade with illuminated floats, decorated trailers and Krewe members tossing beads, cups and trinkets to enthusiastic spectators.

The day-long celebration begins with a 1 p.m. Munchkin Parade for youngsters 12 and under. Entertainment by Donny Broussard and the Louisiana Stars follow from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with food and beverage vendors available.

The Bernie Alan Band will perform after the Grande Parade, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Orange Riverfront and Pavilion.

The parades are sponsored by the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce while the Orange Convention & Visitors Bureau oversees the music.

Parade applications are available at http://www.orangetexaschamber.org or (409) 883-3536. All parade applications are due Feb. 8.

The Munchkin Parade requires an adult to accompany each child. Live animals are prohibited as are bicycles, scooters, skates, skateboards and hoverboards.

Golf carts (with an adult driver) are allowed but ATVs and Side by Sides are not permitted.

Costumes are recommended. Participants are asked to decorate wagons, strollers, wheel barrows and walk. Bring your own beads and candy to throw to the crowd.