File photoSaturday’s Mardi Gras, sponsored by the city of Meridian, promises a wide variety of activities. The fun begins at 11 a.m. on the lawn of city hall with crafts and food vendors, the area's largest Mardi Gras store and kids’ activities. 

A taste of New Orleans comes to the Queen City when Meridian Mardi Gras rolls into town this weekend.

There will be new events this year, as the weekend kicks off on Friday with the Bud & Barbecue cook-off, a Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) sanctioned competition.

For a $10 admission fee, the public can come out and enjoy wings cooked from the teams and vote for their favorite team to win the People’s Choice award, said Laura Carmichael, City of Meridian Cultural Affairs. The night will also include live music by Timmy Segars, cold Budweiser products as well as soft drinks and water available for sale. The kickoff will be held behind city hall in downtown Meridian from 5-10 p.m.

On Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m. the party continues on the city hall lawn with food vendors, live music, the area’s largest Mardi Gras store and kid’s activities including bouncy houses, face painting and more. The free, day-long event, which is sponsored by the city of Meridian, provides family-friendly activities for all ages. Another crowd favorite, king cakes, will also be sold by the Young Professionals of Meridian.

“We have some vendors who will be selling true Mardi Gras fares like gumbo, crawfish, étouffée, and shrimp po-boys,” Carmichael said. “Our Mardi Gras store will be selling beads and masks on site along with craft vendors.”

At noon, the Krewe of Barkus parade, which is sponsored by Animal Medical Supply, features furry friends all dressed up in purple and green. The Mardi Gras king and queen will lead the Krewe of Midas Parade immediately following the pet parade. Festive Mardi Gras t-shirts will be available for $10 for short sleeve and $15 for long sleeve.

Live music featuring Chad Peavy, Fatback, and the EMCC Southern Brass Band, as well as a beer garden sponsored by Mitchell Distributing, will also highlight the day. Other sponsors include Structural Steel, SeQuel, Waste Pro, and Print & Design Solutions.

“This year’s Mardi Gras festival promises to be exciting and fun for everyone,” said Carmichael. “We have so many great activities planned and we hope everyone will come out and enjoy the parades, great food, and music. Without leaving town you can get a taste of New Orleans right here in Meridian.”

For more information contact Carmichael at 601-485-1944 or lauracarmichael@meridianms.org.