Local folks who can’t make it out of town for Mardi Gras festivities can take heart. Magnolia’s 11th annual Mardi Gras Festival and Parade is Saturday and Sunday.
The festival, presented by the City of Magnolia and the Magnolia/South Pike Area Chamber of Commerce, opens at 8 a.m. on the 18th, and the parade starts at 10. Parade lineup is 9 a.m. at Eva Gordon Elementary School.
The day promises fun for the family. Festively dressed riders and walkers will be tossing candy, beads and trinkets along the parade route, which will end at South Pike High School.
Youngsters and the young at heart can catch thrills on rides provided by Mississippi Delta Shows on Saturday and Sunday along Railroad Boulevard.
Carnival rides will be running from 8 a.m. to close on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
On Saturday, featured entertainment will be provided at the Magnolia Depot from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. by Pat Cornacchione and his jazz band, and from 2 to 6 p.m. with the band Bulletproof.
A fireworks show will follow Bulletproof’s performance.
On Sunday, the Louisiana Sunshine Band will play from 1 to 6 p.m., and carnival rides will be running.
For online food and arts and crafts vendors, visit www.magnoliamardigras.com.
