Meridian Mardi Gras kicks off Saturday at 11 a.m.

Published 1:49 pm Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Meridian Mardi Gras Queen Elizabeth Williams, left, and King Jeremy Sollie, stand for a photo at ACES’ gallery Wednesday in downtown Meridian. Photo by Thomas Howard

The streets of Meridian will be decorated with purple, green and gold Saturday as the Arts and Community Events Society hosts its annual Meridian Mardi Gras celebration at City Hall lawn.

The event will kick off at 11 a.m. with Krewe de Barkus costume contest in which local dogs will compete in Mardi Gras attire to be named king or queen for this year’s event. A highly anticipated event, proceeds from the annual contest go to Lauderdale County Animal Shelter and Roadside Rescue.

At 11:45 a.m., the Krewe de Barkus King and Queen will join this year’s human King and Queen in the annual Mardi Gras Parade through downtown Meridian. The parade will start at the intersection of Eighth Street and 25th Avenue before turning south onto 23rd Avenue and going past City Hall lawn. Parade participants will turn left on Front Street before turning onto 22nd Avenue and traveling down to the route’s end at 10th Street.

“It’ll be the Krewe de Barkus and then the Krewe de Midas parade, which will have over 30 floats, including us,” said this year’s King Jeremy Sollie. “We’ll be on the trolley throwing out beads and moon pies and other fun stuff.”

Following the parade, Jackson-based Epic Funk Band will take the stage at 1 p.m. and DJ Garrett IP will perform at 3 p.m. The event will also feature food vendors, kid’s activities, king cake and more.

Elizabeth Williams, who is this year’s Mardi Gras Queen, said ideal weather is forecasted for Saturday’s festivities, and the whole family is invited to come out and enjoy a day of food and fun.

“It’s just good to see people come downtown and participate and support Meridian businesses,” she said.

ACES board member Julia Norman said the organization looks for people making a difference in the community when selecting each year’s king and queen, and Sollie and Williams both fit the bill. Sollie was heavily involved in a recent New Year’s Eve Bash organized by Young Professionals of Meridian, she said, and Williams is instrumental in planning the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience’s annual Sipp & Savor event.

“We always focus on people that are doing work in our downtown. That’s what the king and queen of Mardi Gras have traditionally been, and they are both part of two great events,” she said.

Norman said ACES encourages residents to come enjoy this year’s Meridian Mardi Gras celebration, bring families and have a good time in downtown Meridian.

“We encourage it to be like an all day event. Come set up for the parade, set your blanket out with your kids, there’s all kinds of kid’s activities. It’s just an all day thing,” Norman said.