If you don't have a parade, did you even Mardi Gras?

The Franklin Street Events Association (FSEA) knows that if you're going to celebrate Mardi Gras, you have to do it big, and you have to do it right, which means you have to have a parade complete with beads to throw and masks to wear, so that's exactly what they're going to do.

And you're in invited!

The Mardi Gras Parade on Franklin will feature a variety of local businesses and organizations (including us!) driving down Franklin Street spreading the joy of Mardi Gras with beads for whoever can catch them. The event is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m., is free to attend, and open to all ages.

But that's not all the Franklin Street Events Association has planned for Mardi Gras. The party starts this Saturday with their annual Gumbo Cook-Off featuring several Franklin Street businesses serving up their own gumbo recipes with proceeds benefiting a local non-profit of the businesses' choosing. Bowls can be purchased in advance for $20 each at Lamasco Bar & Grill, Thyme in the Kitchen, or online. But get yours soon, as only 1,000 bowls will be sold. Spoons will be available for $1.00 each, however FSEA is asking you to bring your own to help reduce waste.

Finally, if you'd like to enjoy a little drinky-drink with your Mardi Gras festivities, Franklin Street Events will also host their annual Mardi Gras Pub Crawl up and down Franklin Street both Friday, March 1st and Saturday, March 2nd beginning at 6:00 p.m. until the bars shut down. Armbands for the crawl are available now for $10 each at the following locations:

  • Franklin Street Tavern
  • The Corner Bar
  • Leroys Tavern
  • Pistons Bar And Grill
  • Gerst Haus
  • Sportsman's Grille & Billiards
  • Smitty's Italian Steakhouse
  • Lamasco Bar and Grill

Your armband purchase not only gets you into each participating Franklin Street Bar, but also gives you access to free T.E.D. (Trolley of Evansville Districts) Rides, free cab rides home, and access to a Scavenger Hunt, and chance to win New Orleans trip!

Laissez les bon temps rouler (Let the good times roll)!

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