by Ezabelle Janssen, Contributing Writer
LONG BEACH (GG) — Throw me something, mister! On Saturday, February 22nd, Long Beach let the good times roll with their annual Mardi Gras parade. An awaited event, citizens’ vehicles, and trailers lined the parade route days in advance. Mardi on! Jeff Davis Avenue became a block party, with convenient port-a-potties, food trucks, and altered business hours.
Community Affairs Director Courtney Cuevas stated: “The Long Beach Mardi Gras celebration proved to be a major success this year, attracting both residents and visitors alike. Local businesses were packed throughout the event, with restaurants, bars, and shops bustling with activity. The influx of visitors and residents helped generate significant traffic for local establishments, offering a much-needed economic boost.”
Creating a food truck plaza, Smoke and Geaux BBQ–who sold out twice–, Frankie Faye’s, and Snow Boogers setup at lunchtime at the Harper McCaughan Town Green and stayed until the parade’s conclusion, bringing new flavors to downtown Long Beach. Local businesses left their doors open during the parade, providing a Long Beach after-dark exclusive.
Hundreds gathered, from locals to people all the way from Michigan, to celebrate over 50 years of Southern tradition with the Carnival Association of Long Beach. The parade is an all-inclusive party with sparkly outfits, crazy hats, extravagant beads, flashing lights, pounding music, ornate floats, dancers, and the local high school band.
Th e first Carnival Association of Long Beach parade rolled through the streets of Long Beach in 1971. From the array of fantastic floats, two reigned supreme.
The Parade Captain’s choice was the Krewe of St. Fabian’s float, and the Carnival Association of Long Beach President’s Choice was the Krewe of Gulf Legal’s float. However, the most show-stopping float, undoubtedly, was King Scott’s (Nate Stirrat). An ornate white float with gold accents and a massive crown to match his own costume.
The mardi gras king entertained his loyal subjects with a few words of gratitude and toasted with city officials. The parade is enjoyable in all aspects. It showcases how interconnected and giving the coastal community is.
The Carnival Association of Long Beach (CALB) has donated to various charities, from the South MS Regional Center to the North MS Regional Burn Center. First responders from the entire Gulf Coast, the Long Beach Police Department, Harrison County Sheriff ’s Department, Pass Christian Police Department, Biloxi Police Department, Gulfport Police Department, D’Iberville Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, and Marine Patrol volunteered their time and services to ensure a fun and safe atmosphere for all in Long Beach.
Little evidence remains of Saturday’s festivities. The caring community quickly and efficiently cleaned up the city. Mardi Gras, it’s beignet a pleasure!
(Front Photo by K.G. McAnally/The Gazebo Gazette, Inside Photo by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)
