The Gazebo Gazette
BILOXI (GG) — The city of Biloxi prepares for multiple parades on Saturday and the Gulf Coast Carnival Association parade on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate Mardi Gras. Thousands of parade goers will be in Downtown Biloxi for the annual Second Liners Mardi Gras Parade, Krewe of Neptune Mardi Gras Parade, and the Gulf Coast Carnival Association Parade. As city crews finish their preparations, the Biloxi Police Department asks parade-goers to keep safety in mind when making their plans.
Biloxi Public Works crews are preparing the downtown parade routes by placing rope, cones, and barricades in areas to ensure safety. Crews are marking off areas where no parking is allowed, especially along the railroad tracks, placing cones and barricades at intersections, and other areas throughout the route to assist officers with traffic control and pedestrian safety.
“Mardi Gras is a great event for friends and families to gather and celebrate the carnival season in Biloxi,” said Biloxi Police Chief Chris De Back. “We ask people to be patient, be aware of their surroundings, arrive early, expect delays when leaving, follow officers’ instructions, and remember that our goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable Mardi Gras event.”
Biloxi Parks & Recreation crews are also preparing for the Mardi Gras parades by keeping public areas along the route clean and free of litter.
This year, the department will not be offering a designated special-needs seating area on Mardi Gras day. The decision follows staff changes that have left the department without personnel who have specialized training and experience to manage and operate the seating area safely. The department is actively working to develop procedures and establish requirements to ensure that future accommodations are provided safely and appropriately.
Residents and visitors are invited to attend the Second Liners Mardi Gras Club parade on Saturday, beginning at noon and traveling along Howard Avenue and MLK Jr. Boulevard; the Krewe of Neptune parade Saturday night, beginning at 5:30 and traveling along Main, Lameuse, MLK Jr. Blvd., Howard Avenue, and Porter Avenue; and the Gulf Coast Carnival Association parade, beginning at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Mardi Gras day, and traveling along Main, Lameuse, MLK Jr. Blvd., Howard Avenue, and Porter Avenue.
Residents are also reminded to enjoy the festivities and celebrate responsibly. The City of Biloxi has a traffic plan in place, as with all major events, with safety reminders and route information.
