Last year was Huntsville’s first ever Mardi Gras Parade. It was great for a first year, and the support and attendance of the community was overwhelming! It turned out to be a huge success!
And since it’s a fundraiser for Blount Hospitality House, it was a win-win for our community.
Make plans now for this year’s parade, February 14, 2015…soon to be our new Mardi Gras tradition. It will be bigger and better than ever. Let the good times roll!
4 Tips to Enjoy the Mardi Gras Grand Parade
#1 Arrive early.
(Edited 2/13) Arrive early to claim your spot on the parade route. Beads will be handed out all throughout the parade, but there will be one special barricaded area where beads can be thrown.
The most important thing to remember is that parade watchers must stay out of the street.
#2 Take advantage of the Entertainment District.
Pro-tip: Arrive super early and spend some time in one of the bars in Downtown Huntsville for lunch or hanging out. Watch the parade from within the Entertainment District line and you can do it with your purple cup full of a favorite to-go beverage!
Just remember – this ain’t Bourbon Street. Our parades are family-friendly and there is no flashing-for-beads.
#3 Bring chairs.
Bring along folding chairs to set up at your chosen spot along the parade route. It’s better to have a chair and not use it, than to not have it and wish you did!
They can be stashed in your car if you decide to stick around for #4.
#4 Laissez les bons temps rouler on into Saint Valentin!
The parade falls on Valentine’s Day. Make early dinner reservations/plans at a Downtown restaurant and stick around after the parade to switch the celebration from Mardi Gras to Love!
More Information: Mardi Gras Grand Parade
When: Saturday, February 14
What Time: 3:30 pm
Where: Parade route starts on Meridian Street near the Lumberyard
Grand Krewe Afterparty: Doors open at 5:30 pm, A.M. Booth Lumberyard, featuring music and catered by Tim’s Cajun Kitchen. $40 per person, cash bar, 21+ event.
Want to be in the parade? Register your Krewe here.
Amy Jones has been a marketing professional in Huntsville for 20 years, with experience in all aspects of marketing, pr, media relations, event management, digital content, and design. Amy is the proud and busy momma of two boys, who keep things loud and fun. For fun she skateboards, rides her scooter, and kayaks (though sadly not at the same time!).
After enjoying the parade in Huntsville, come to Decatur for the Carnegie Carnival main parade at 6:00 in downtown Decatur. Lots of floats, beads, and fun!
We love the Decatur Mardi Gras celebrations!