Mardi Gras season is in full swing with just a month to go before the epic three-day weekend in downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach.
Before we get to the biggest parades, however, the season includes plenty of ways to celebrate early.
The Kids and Kritters Parade today (Jan. 24) is one of the earliest events of the Mardi Gras season. The theme this year’s event is “Coastal Cowboy.”
There is ample, free parking and spectators are encouraged to bring a bag to haul your beads and trinkets home. Decorated wagons and costumed canines are all part of the fun at the parade.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Kids and Kritters Parade.
When is the Kids and Kritters Parade?
The Kids and Kritters Parade will take place Jan. 24 in the Casino Beach parking lot near the Pensacola Beach Visitor Information Center on Pensacola Beach.
The fun begins at noon when the featured guests open their kiosks. Boogie Inc. gets the tunes going and hosts Karaoke for Kids from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Get ready to tap your toes at 1:30 p.m. when the talented troupe from Dancingly Yours headlines the pre-parade show.
The parade itself starts at 2 p.m. The Grand Marshals are Burma Davis and her horse, Jesse, followed by Pensacola Beach’s Krewe of Kids’ Royal Court and krewe members.
How can I participate in the Kids and Kritters Parade?
The parade is open to anyone who would like to participate in this family-friendly event. Registration begins at noon. To participate, attendees must wear a costume, and bring their own Mardi Gras throws. Participants are asked not to throw candy or paper coupons. Pets must be on a short, sturdy leash and under the control of the handler. Everyone must be on their best behavior. There is no entry fee for people while pets are $10 each.
There will be prizes for the best costumed pets and the best mini-floats.
What type of floats are allowed at the Kids and Kritters Parade?
Mini floats can be made on strollers or wagons. Anything that can be pushed or pulled is allowed. Motorized and pedaled vehicles, skateboards, bicycles, battery powered vehicles are not allowed.
Who hosts the Kids and Kritters Parade?
The parade is hosted by Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Inc. and sponsored by Gulf Breeze Animal Hospital with the help of Island Times.
Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Inc. is a 501(C) 3 non-profit, organized exclusively to produce Mardi Gras events for the enjoyment and cultural enhancement of the citizens and visitors to Pensacola Beach including, but not limited to, the annual Kids and Kritters Parade which is tailored to children, families and their pets.
Where can I go for more information regarding the Kids and Kritters Parade?
Visit pensacolabeachmardigras.com for details.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Bring your kids and kritters to today’s Mardi Gras parade on Pensacola Beach
Reporting by Chemarryn Thornton, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
