Meridian residents are invited to grab their lawn chairs and head to City Hall lawn on Saturday as the annual Mardi Gras celebration kicks off bright and early.

 

Organized by Mitchell Distributing and ACES, the Arts and Community Events Society, the day of fun and entertainment is set to kick off with the highly anticipated dog costume contest at 10 a.m., said ACES member Julie Norman, who was named this year’s Mardi Gras Queen.

 

“People are encouraged just bring your dog out, dress them up,” she said. “There’s prizes, and it’s a lot of fun.”

 

Contest winners will be announced, and the four-legged contestants will take part in the Krewe of Barkus parade around City Hall.

 

Following the parade, Norman said, Meridian Mardi Gras will kick off its live entertainment at noon. Playing this year will be local band Black Sheep and New Orleans-based MikeyB3, which will brings its unique style of funk and rock to the Queen City.

 

Bounce houses, face painting and other children’s activities will be set up, and vendors selling all sorts of food and drinks will be on hand throughout the day.

 

“Everybody will just hang out and listen to music. Bring your lawn chairs, 12 to 4 p.m.,” Norman said. “It looks like it’s going to be sunshiny and mid-fifties.”

 

At 4 p.m. the main Krewe of Midas Parade will take place through downtown Meridian. This year, Norman said walkers are planned alongside the parade floats to pass out candy and other goodies to the kids. That way no one will have to run into the street, she said.

 

On the King and Queen float, Norman and this year’s Mardi Gras King, Michael Castle, will go a more traditional route with their throws, she said, and true New Orleanians will enjoy the home experience. The parade will come down 23rd Avenue past City Hall to Front Street before heading back up 22nd Avenue.

 

“We’ve got some fun throws that are more traditional for New Orleans Mardi Gras,” she said. “Most people think of beads, but true New Orleans uptown parades it’s a lot more fun things for kids.”

 

Downtown will be a busy place Saturday as the annual Downtown History Walk is also set to take place from noon to 4 p.m. and a guided tour, book signing and talk by photojournalist Kate Medley is put on at The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience 10:30 a.m. to noon.

 

With plenty to do, Norman said organizers are encouraging residents and visitors to make a day of it and enjoy what the city has to offer. Attendees can start the day off with the costume contest and Krewe of Barkus Parade at 10 a.m., stop by The MAX and take part in the history walk before retuning to City Hall for the Krewe of Midas Parade. As a nightcap, residents can stop by the Temple Theater for a free special Black History Month music program set to begin at 7 p.m.

 

“It’ll be a great day it sounds like,” Castle said.

 

ACES and Mitchell Distributing took over Meridian Mardi Gras several years ago and have worked hard to make it into the true celebration residents deserve, Norman said, and everyone is invited to come take part in the festivities.

 

“It’s a growing event in Meridian, and we’re really excited about it, and we want everyone to come out and join us,” she said.