By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Get ready to grab the beads and enjoy the sounds of Mardi Gras as the 17th Annual Mardi Gras Weekend kicks off on Friday, February 14 in downtown Orange.

City of Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau, in partnership with the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce, is hosting the events.

A Flashback Friday Parade is set for 6:30 p.m. on Friday. So grab the hairspray and relive those 80s hairstyles as everyone, not just those in the parade, are encouraged to dress in 80s attire. 

LA Roxx will perform at the Riverfront Pavilion immediately following the parade.

LA Roxx is hailed as the ‘Worlds Greatest Arena Rock Tribute Band,’ according to its official website.

The band is no stranger to many Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana rock fans, as the band has performed locally at various venues over the years.

The band pays tribute to its glam-rock heroes through music from legendary rock acts like Bon Jovi, Poison, Ratt, Skid Row, Guns ‘N Roses, Warrant, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Def Leppard, and Motley Crue.

Festivities continue at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 with the 4th Annual Munchkin Parade. Help line the streets and enjoy the children as they walk the route.

One can still sign up to participate in the Munchkin Parade and there is no entry fee.

The event is for ages 0-12 years of age. Live animals, bicycles, scooters or skates (Including in-line and skateboards) are not permitted. Golf carts are allowed but must be driven by an adult 18 years or older. 

Costumes are not required but are encouraged. 

An application can be found at http://www.orangetexas.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2019/12/munchkin-parade-entry-form-2020.pdf

The Krewe of Krewe’s Grand Parade will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday night.

Food and drink vendors will be on-site throughout the weekend festivities. 

A children’s activity area will be available providing fun for the entire family. 

Dogs or pets are not allowed at the Riverfront Boardwalk and Pavilion. 

Coolers are welcome.

For parade applications or additional information concerning Mardi Gras weekend, call the Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau at 409-883-1011 or the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce at 409-883-3536.