Mardi Gras - Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana 2012

Feathers, fabulous frocks and the fais-do-do can only mean one thing—it’s Mardi Gras time! Lake Charles, Louisiana does it like no other.

Experience the Magic of Mardi Gras!
January 6—February 21, 2012
www.swlamardigras.com
800-456-7952

*Denotes events taking place at the Lake Charles Civic Center

*Twelfth Night
Friday, January 6, 7 p.m. An enchanting evening with the 2011 royal courts of more than 50 krewes making their last glittering promenade, ushering in the 2012 season. Luxurious door prizes, music and dancing! Tickets are $5 in advance, or $6 at the door. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

*Queens’ Pageant
Saturday, January 14, Times Vary
Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

*Community Dance
Thursday, January 26, 6:30—8 p.m.
Free Mardi Gras dance presented by the City of Lake Charles and Community Inclusion.

Annual Mardi Gras Run
Saturday, February 4, 7 a.m.—until, Gueydan
Annual run sponsored by Le Krewe de la Originals et Les Enfants and the Duck Festival Association features an early morning chicken run, lunch, live music, an auction and a dance. Parade begins at 3 p.m. Dance starts at 5 p.m.

Vinton Mardi Gras Celebration
Saturday, February 11, 2 p.m.
Downtown Vinton. Parade ends at City Hall.

*Krewe of the Golden Years
Monday, February 13, 9 a.m.—2 p.m.
Senior citizens who have passed down Mardi Gras traditions celebrate the season with food and a Mardi Gras ball. Free to seniors 60 and up.

Merchants’ Parade
Friday, February 17, 7 p.m.
Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles

Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride
Saturday, February 18, 8:30 a.m.
Begins and ends at West Cal Arena in Sulphur. Line up at 6 a.m. Admission fee for trail riders is $5.

*World Famous Cajun Extravaganza/Gumbo Cook-Off
Saturday, February 18, 8 a.m.—2 p.m.
You will not want to miss this taste-from-every-pot event or the live, hot Southern and Cajun music that comes along with it. Admission is $5, and children 5 and under are admitted free.

Krewe of Omega Parade
Saturday, February 18, 2 p.m.
Downtown Lake Charles.

*Zydeco Dance
Saturday, February 18, 3—5 p.m.
Live bands playing Mambo and Zydeco.

*Krewe of Barkus Parade
Saturday, February 18, 3 p.m.
Fantastically disguised canines parade in full Mardi Gras attire, all vying for the title of “Mystical Dog.” Entry fee applies.

Krewe of Cosmos Presentation
Saturday, February 18, 6:30 p.m.
The Krewe of Cosmos presents their royal court in style at the Sulphur High School Auditorium with skits, songs and more.

*Krewe of Illusions
Saturday, February 18, 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Mardi Gras with the 23rd annual presentation of the Krewe of Illusions. Tickets are $30 orchestra, formal attire required. $18 balcony reserved seating and $15 standard balcony seating, casual attire.

*Taste de la Louisiane
Sunday, February 19, 11 a.m.—2 p.m.
Pots and pots of all-you-can-eat traditional Louisiana cuisine for a $7 admission fee.

*Children’s Day
Sunday, February 19, noon—3 p.m.
Old-time Louisiana culture, arts and crafts, Mardi Gras music and magic. An education station complete with safety and health information.

Children’s Parade
Sunday, February 19, 3 p.m.
Downtown Lake Charles. A purple, green and gold parade for the young and young at heart.

*Lighted Boat Parade
Sunday, February 19, 7:30 p.m.
Be dazzled by the glowing boat parade on shimmering Lake Charles.

*Royal Gala
Monday, February 20, 7 p.m.
The Cinderella moment of the season features the 2012 courts of more than 50 krewes with kings, queens, royal dukes and duchesses, captains, courtesans and jesters. Tickets are $5 in advance, or $6 at the door. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

Casino Entertainment Mardi Gras Weekend!

Feb. 17-21 - Mardi Gras Music Fest
Isle of Capri Casino Hotel
www.isleofcapricasinos.com

Feb. 18 - Charlie Wilson
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel
www.deltadowns.com

Feb. 19 - L'Auberge Casino Resort Presents
DAUGHTRY Lake Charles Civic Center
www.ldlcasino.com

Fat Tuesday

Alcohol-Free Mardi Gras Zone for Kids, Tweens and Teens
Tuesday, February 21, Noon – 5 p.m.
The Alcohol-Free and Tobacco-Free Mardi Gras Zone will be located in the empty parking lot between the Charleston Building and the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse on Ryan Street along the parade route. Children can enjoy free activities, entertainment and food. The Zone is sponsored by Project KNOW, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living.

Krewe of Charlie Sioux Parade Block Party
Tuesday, February 21, Noon
Location TBD. Sioux City, Lake Charles’ sister city, will hold a block party, complete with food, drinks, music and children’s activities.

Motorcycles, Hot Rods & Classics Parade
Tuesday, February 21, 1 p.m.
Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles

Krewe of Krewes’ Parade
Tuesday, February 21, 5:30 p.m.
Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles. Hundreds of elaborate krewe floats, costumes, beads and more wind through the city in the culmination of the Fat Tuesday celebration.

*Denotes events taking place at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Events subject to change. Visit www.swlamardigras.com for the most up-to-date information.