The Carnival season is upon us and the Hub City is gearing up for all the festivities and fun of this exciting time of year. Although most people relate Mardi Gras to New Orleans or the coastal counties, Hattiesburg has become a popular destination for revelers to enjoy the party season that is family-friendly and has just about something for everyone to enjoy.
This year’s parade is extra special to the community because last year’s parade was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as more restrictions on the community have been lifted in 2022, the Hattiesburg Caerus Mardi Gras Parade is set to roll at 4 p.m. this Saturday, February 26. Emotions and excitement have been high as the city is ready to come out and enjoy a fun time together.
“Everyone is so very excited for the parade after being cooped up so long from COVID and the quarantine, and we are so ready to come together and enjoy a wonderful weekend of fun,” Paige Robertson of the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission said. “I know I am excited. We have had a lot of engagement from the community as they are so excited to enjoy a fun day together.”
The parade is great for the Hub City because it helps to build community spirit but it is also great for the local economy. Tourists come from all over to be a part of the fun that this event brings every year. It is a definite boost for local businesses and a wonderful time for everyone.
“This is definitely one of the most popular events of the year,” Robertson continued. “And this year we plan on having a grand time as life is finally starting to get back to normal. We are all ready to enjoy this fun event.”
As the parade rolls down Hardy Street, the Hattiesburg Caerus Mardi Gras Parade Group invites spectators and guests to “come early and come hungry.” Before the parade, revelers will be greeted by some of the best food and drinks from some of the best restaurants in Hattiesburg. The magic and mystique of Mardi Gras will make its way to the Hub City as beads, treasures, and joy will rain over the over the joyful families and guests.
The Hattiesburg Caerus Mardi Gras Parade Group is proud to announce that the Honey Island Clydesdales will lead the parade to the delight of all that come out to celebrate. Lineup for the parade opens at Frontage and Highway 49 at the Exxon Station and Dairy Queen. The parade officially kicks off at 4 p.m. and will roll south from 4th Street and Frontage Road to the Burg’s Hardy Street, then to west on Hardy Street as it ends at 38th. It was emphasized that there will be no throws after the parade ends.
Everyone is invited to take part in the parade. To register a float, just email hburgmardigrasparade@yahoo.com. There is no deadline for floats and participants to sign up.
There will also be no entry fee due to the generosity of Keith’s Superstores. So if you’re interested in joining in the festivities, register your float and join the lineup for this fun event, starting at 1 pm. Floats must be loaded upon entry to ensure a safe and fun environment for all participants and guests.
Official Mardi Gras t-shirts will be available for purchase at Mississippi Made and More as well as at any Keith’s Superstore. You’re sure to want to get a memento of this exciting evening. This is surely going to be a celebration that you’ll never forget so come on out and enjoy all the fun.
Let’s fill the Hub City and Hardy Street with lots of purple, green, and gold, and smiling faces full of joy. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
