Wake Forest’s second Mardi Gras Street Festival Saturday, March 1, promises fun for everyone all day long and into the night with the Mardi Gras Ball.
Everything gets going at 11 a.m. and runs to 4 p.m. Start off with face painting in town hall, DJ Brian Pate in Centennial Plaza in front of town hall, bounce houses and an inflatable playground all day, a Hoop jam, the Teenage King & Queen and Prince & Princess Costume Contests at noon, a Mardi Gras parade along Brooks Street to the Depot parking lot at 1 p.m., stilt walkers, Freddie Greene Jazz, chalk art, horse and carriage rides, a juggler and a magician, acrobats, the Shorty’s Hot Dog Challenge, and King Cupcakes.
Find a complete schedule at www.wakeforestnc.gov/wake-forest-mardi-gras.aspx.
The walking parade is for youngsters and adults and will run from town hall, up East Owen Avenue and north along South White Street to the depot parking lot. Lineup begins at 12:45 p.m.
No pre-registration is required; however, all children must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Youngsters are invited to walk, roller skate, ride their bicycles or be pulled along in a wagon. Participation is free, but bicyclists must wear their helmets.
Parade participants are encouraged to flex their creative muscles by decorating their bicycles and wagons, dressing up in their best Mardi Gras garb, and wearing a mask. Kids will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the free face painting that will be offered from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the town hall lobby and from 2-4 p.m. in the Depot Parking Lot, 110 S. White St., and the Wake Forest ARTS office, 205 S. Brooks St.
Teenagers are invited to participate in the King & Queen Costume Contest prior to the start of the parade. The costume judging will take place at noon in the vicinity of the Centennial Plaza flagpoles. The winners of the costume contest will serve as the parade’s grand marshals and have the opportunity to ride in a horse and carriage at the head of the procession.
A Parade Prince & Princess Costume Contest will also be offered for younger participants. A complete schedule of events and activities is available at www.wakeforestnc.gov/wake-forest-mardi-gras.aspx.
