by K.G. McAnally, Contributing Writer
BAY ST. LOUIS (GG) — On Saturday, February 22, the Krewe of Kids celebrated its 44th annual Mardi Gras parade in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Although typically beginning before noon, this year the start time was in the early afternoon which allowed more time for parade participants to gather at the old North Bay Elementary site off Dunbar Avenue prior to the parade.
Krewe Captain, Lisa Cowand, announced this year’s grand marshal was Waveland Mayor, Jay Trapani. All were welcome as children ages 5 to 12 were invited with their families to participate with no registration fee required for participation.
Parade participants brought their throws, decorated wagons and bicycles. Participants, including the Bay Ratz Marching Battery, walked the whole parade route, which was always fun and there were no motorized vehicles allowed, except for the royalty.
Krewe of Kids is family friendly and it’s a wonderful opportunity for children to participate in and experience a Mardi Gras parade just for them. The tradition began with the Jacobs family in the Cedar Point neighborhood in 1978 and has continued for over 45 years. The parade rolls through Dunbar Village to greet the King and Queen.
Krewe of Kids is always two Saturdays before Mardi Gras Day and the day before the Nereids Mardi Gras Parade in Waveland, Mississippi . Due to severe weather the Nereids Parade has been rescheduled for Mardi Gras day.
Anyone interested in being considered for royalty in next year’s event should mail their names and information to Lisa Cowand at 1005 Dunbar Ave. Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 by January 25th of 2026.
(All Photos by K.G. McAnally/The Gazebo Gazette)
