ST. MARYS, GA – The February 14, 2015 Mardi Gras Festival will follow a “Love Stories” theme that will enhance the parade floats and costumes which are the highlight of the day. Coastal Georgia is rich in tradition and downtown St. Marys’ annual Mardi Gras Festival is a favorite for locals and tourists. The festival features all family friendly activities from 9am to 5pm and includes the 10am parade and over one hundred vendors offering arts, crafts, food and activities. Some favorite past activities have been the zip line and the mechanical bull. The center stage will be active with entertainment throughout the afternoon and the St. Marys Waterfront Park will host the 11am-2pm Great Camden County Chili Cook-Off benefit and the 1pm costumed pet-parade benefit.
Kelly Davis, a St. Marys Downtown Merchants Association member and long-time festival organizer, stated, “The 2015 Mardi Gras Festival has, again, been selected as a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. It promises to be a great day of food and fun and is a day that positively benefits the economy in St. Marys.”
Mardi Gras would not be complete without a formal ball and the traditional announcement of the new 2015 King and Queen. This Monarch of Merriment and Queen of the Carnival will hold court by representing the St. Marys Mardi Gras Festival at various area events and functions over the coming year. The privilege of being selected as royalty occurs by being the person who finds the trinkets in their dessert. Another honor announced during the evening is the Rosie Kelley Community Service award winner. The accolade recognizes outstanding community service to St. Marys. Ball tickets are $35 per person and include dinner and entertainment with a 6:30pm start time. Attire is a “Love Stories” themed costume or formal wear and tickets can be purchased with cash or check at Once Upon A Bookseller or the St. Marys Welcome Center. The ball location is Chaser’s at J’s British Pub and prizes will be awarded for various costume categories.
During the Mardi Gras celebration you can also ride the rails on the “Wild West Steam Express.” This frontier experience will feature an authentic steam locomotive that will pull you into an unforgettable Wild West adventure complete with a shoot-out showdown. The train will depart from the Theatre by the Trax, 1000 Osborne Street at noon, 2pm and 4pm and tickets must be purchased in advance at www.stmarysrailroad.com, or by calling 912-200-5235. The train will also run on February 15, 21 & 22.
For Parade participation or Vendor/Sponsor information contact Once Upon A Bookseller at stmarysdma@gmail.com or 912-882-7350. For any additional information contact the St. Marys Welcome Center at VisitStMarys.com or call 912-882-4000