Decatur, Alabama’s Mardi Gras season has created quite a plethora of activity since its kick off in February.
2014 Decatur Mardi Gras Events
The activities related to this one Mardi Gras event have been filling up calendars for weeks – and the excitement will culminate in downtown Decatur this Saturday, March 1. Here’s your guide to 2014 Decatur Mardi Gras events.
Mardi Gras 5K
Time: 8 am
Calling all runners and walkers, come participate in this fun 5K sponsored by the Junior League of Morgan County. There will be friendly faces, swag bags, and a chance of seeing some interesting Mardi Gras garb (the best dressed will win free Pepsi for a year). Register for the race online.
Captions of Carnegie Carnival
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Swing by the Carnegie Visual Arts Center on Church Street to view the photography exhibit, featuring snapshots of the previous Carnival celebrations by local photographers.
Carnival Canines on Parade 
Time: 11 am
The first parade of the day is the Carnival Canines on Parade, which is sponsored by the Animal Friends Humane Society. This parade features dogs walked by their owners and volunteers, as well as sponsored shelter dogs available for adoption.
Carnival Crawl
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Downtown merchants will be handing out stickers to shoppers for a prize drawing.
Red Beans & Rice Cook-off
Time: 11 am – 6 pm
Good grub will be brewing in Casa Grande Park on 2nd Ave. Stop by to try samples and cast your vote for your favorite.
Creation Station & Children’s Action Area
Time: 12 – 4 pm
There will be an art area for children, as well as a play area action zone.
Prince and Princess Parade
Time: 2 pm
Spectators of all ages will want to watch the second parade of the day, which stars children and teens only. It’s sponsored by The Princess Theatre for Performing Arts. [spacer size=”10″]
Carnegie Carnival Parade
Time: 6 pm
The grand finale parade features 30 different crewes, who have been planning and working on their floats for weeks. This parade will wind up at Ingalls Harbor Pavilion, where the Crewe Party will ensue (for volunteers and Carnival crewes only).
The Organizers: The Carnegie Visual Arts Center 
Dubbed the Carnegie Carnival to the local crowd, the Carnegie Visual Arts Center organizes this celebration as its main fundraiser. For those not familiar with the Carnegie, it’s non-profit arts and education facility located in the historic Carnegie Library in downtown Decatur.
More Information: 2014 Decatur Mardi Gras Events
For parade routes and additional Carnival details, visit the official Carnegie Carnival website.
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Photos credit: Brandi Hatfield Photography
About the Author: Libby Britt
Libby Lovelace Britt is a freelance writer and editor, as well as the part-time Communications Assistant for the Decatur City Schools Foundation. A Decatur native, she is passionate about sharing the latest events and happenings to those with a particular interest in the excitement surrounding the River City. When she’s not working or blogging, she’s likely chasing her 2-year-old son, and enjoying downtime with her husband and dog.
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