MERIDIAN — As chilly winds blew through the deserted streets of Meridian Saturday, the Dumont Plaza was alive with Cajun flair and live music under an otherwise dull sky.
Waves of Meridian residents, some clad in beads and Saints jerseys, braved the frigid weather to take part in Meridian Mardi Gras.
Shannon Sudbury came out with his wife, Tiffany, and two young daughters, Zoe and Peyton. Even as a fierce wind whipped across the plaza, Zoe and Peyton smiled at their father as the aroma of the funnel cake he held wafted near their stroller.
"We came out and got some gumbo, got fried Oreos, brought the girls to hear some good music so we're having a good time," Shannon said. "We're covered up, bundled up... got some gumbo to warm us up and funnel cake. Can't ask for more than that."
Tiffany said that the family came looking for good food, good music and good times, all of which were in ready supply at Meridian's version of Mardi Gras.
Shannon said that even though people complain about a lack of things to do in Meridian, there are plenty of activities, "You just have to take advantage of them."
Before the celebration began at noon, the Sudbury family went to the Temple Theater to watch "The Princess and the Frog," which takes place in New Orleans of all places.
Vendors lined the plaza, serving both food and various goods. Free gumbo was handed out to passers-by from nine volunteer teams competing for best gumbo. Judges scored the gumbos based on color, aroma, texture and flavor.
This year, the Krewe de Roux'tn for dem Saints, composed of J. Grantham, Ben Snyder and Kenny Jenkins, took first place in the gumbo competition.
"We didn't have a clue what we were doing until we entered two days ago and threw everything together last night and this morning," Grantham said. "The secret ingredient is beer; you've got to have enough beer in you and enough beer in the gumbo."
Zydeco blared from loudspeakers and stereos near the gumbo competitors, but local bands played live music throughout the day and night as well.
This year's Meridian Mardi Gras introduced the first Queen City Jam Session, featuring Dark Sundays, No Requests, Random Theory Revival, Sun Wolf and Charlie O. the Mississippi Maestro.
"It's kind of a chance for some bands that are starting out," said Meredith Rea, who along with John Pollard has helped spearhead Meridian Mardi Gras. "They're all being so nice in donating their time and their equipment to do this."
Because Meridian Mardi Gras is a fundraiser, no participants make a profit. Instead, the money raised goes to the Meridian Downtown Association.
"We just want to make it out so that we can keep doing it every year," Rea said. "We'd love for it to keep getting bigger and bigger, but we just want it to keep going."
Local News
Related Photos
-
Dark Sundays plays at Meridian Mardi Gras, one of several local bands to donate their time and efforts to entertaining the downtown crowd. PHOTO BY BYRON WILKES / THE MERIDIAN STAR
-
Meridian Mardi Gras attendees walk by volunteer gumbo teams and vendor tents Saturday despite cold weather. PHOTO BY BYRON WILKES / THE MERIDIAN STAR
Discussion
Meridian Mardi Gras
good food, good music and good times
- Local News
-
-
Morning update for Wednesday, May 30, 2012
-
In memory of those who died
A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian. -
Choctaw Expressions to be showcased
The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30. -
Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday
Residents in the Meridian area will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown or made products throughout the summer and fall through the Earth’s Bounty festival.
The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station. -
WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart
About three weeks before the end of WW I, two young officers with the 320 Machine Gun Battalion crept through the battered moonscape of France on a mission to find new positions for their weapons.
-
Man dies of gunshot wound
Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning in which one person died.
- Marriages & Divorces: Sunday, May 27, 2012
-
Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising
If local advertising agency Leading Edges has its way, pretty soon you will be using your iPhone or iPad to bring its clients' ads to life.
-
Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart
- Partnership in place for safety blitz
- More Local News Headlines
-
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
