Mardi Gras Opens by the Lake

Changing venues to move most of the Lake Wales Mardi Gras activities to the shores of Lake Wailes appears to have been a good decision. Hundreds of revelers came Friday night, March 1 to enjoy music, food and fun.

Mardi Gras President Joshua Curchy promised a family friendly festival, and the event didn't disappoint. Children enjoyed a variety of activities in a special Kids Zone location while their parents enjoyed food, drink and dancing.

Led by Eric Farewell of Aviator PPG, a contingent of paramotor pilots glided over the lake at sunset, delighting the crowd.

The traditional parade with funky floats, costumed dancers and lots of bead throwing begins Saturday March 2 at 3 p.m. and will run through the historic downtown district. The parade begins at the north end of Park Avenue heading east to Scenic Highway, turning south and heading west on Stuart Avenue, then south on First Street and then east down Central Avenue to finish at the lake.

The lakeside entertainment lineup Saturday includes Vinnie & Mikey, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m .; Mrs. Murphy's Chowder, 12:45-1:30 p.m .; Sarah & the Swinging Richards, 2-2:45 p.m .; Autumn Brown Band, 3:15-4:15 p.m .; Almost There, 5:15-6 p.m .; Outa Hand Band, 6:30-7:30 p.m .; David Oliver Willis, 8-9 p.m .; and Jill's Cashbox, 9:30-11 p.m.

See full photo gallery from March 1 at https://www.lakewalesnews.net/photos