It’s that time of year again! Red River’s annual Mardi Gras in the Mountain celebration is set to kick off on Thursday, Feb. 28!
The schedule of events is as follows:
Thursday, February 27:
- Pre-Parade Kickoff Reception: Join the Krewes for music, refreshments, and hors d’oeuvres from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Yesterday’s Diner.
- Thursday Night Parade: The parade starts at 7:00 PM at Yesterday’s Diner and ends at the Motherlode Saloon. Spectators are encouraged to join the walking parade along Main Street.
- Burning of the Wild Tchoupitoulas: At 7:30 PM, experience the symbolic burning ceremony in the Motherlode Saloon parking lot, a tradition to cast away worries.
- Party Krewe Ball: Festivities continue at 8:00 PM at the Motherlode Saloon with live music by Forest Huval & Bon Temps, followed by karaoke with Sweet T.
Friday, February 28:
- Friday Night Ball: Join the krewes for an evening of fun and festivities.
- Drink-Making Contest: See just how crazy things can get as groups from local bars compete for bragging rights and coveted trophies.
Saturday, March 1:
- Grand Parade: The main parade of the event, featuring elaborate floats and costumes, will proceed down Main Street. Time to be announced.
- Grand Ball, Cajun Feast & Costume Contest: Enjoy a seafood boil, enter the costume contest, and dance to Forest Huval & Bon Temps ($25 per person $10 for children under 12). Times are 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm.
Sunday, March 2:
- Children’s Ball: Games, a costume contest, and music by Forest Huval & Bon Temps at the Red River Conference Center from 7:00 pm until 8:30pm.
Monday, March 3:
- Krewe de VooDoo: Celebrate Lundi Gras with the Krewe de VooDoo
Music by Forest Huval & Bon Temps.
Tuesday, March 4:
- Fat Tuesday Krewe Déjà vu Ball: Celebrate Fat Tuesday with Krewe Deja Vu. Music by Forest Huval & Bon Temps
About the Krewes:
Mardi Gras In The Mountains features several spirited Krewes, each bringing unique energy to the celebration:
- Party Krewe: Headquartered at Capo’s Restaurant, known for their vibrant presence.
- Krewe de VooDoo: Red River’s oldest Krewe, a staple in all events.
- Red River Brew Krewe: Comprising craft beer enthusiasts, many from the Red River Brewing Company.
- Krewe Deja Vu: A fresh group bringing laughter and fun to every event.
- Totally High Crew (THC): Based at The Vault, known for their laid-back vibe.
- Kowboy Krewe: Dedicated to helping others in unexpected times of need through the Kowboy Krewe Foundation.
- Krewe des Pas Bon: A fun-loving group from Louisiana, longtime attendees of the event.