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Tag: St. Mary’s Mardi Gras

  • 2016 St. Mary’s Mardi Gras Festival, Parade, and Ball

    2016 St. Mary’s Mardi Gras Festival, Parade, and Ball

    2016 St. Mary's Mardi Gras Festival, Parade, and BallThe February 6, 2016 Mardi Gras Festival will follow a sports theme to coincide with Super Bowl Weekend. The “Thrill of Victory” theme will be followed throughout parade floats and costumes and even the evening’s formal ball. Coastal Georgia is rich in tradition and downtown St. Marys’ annual Mardi Gras Festival is a favorite event for tourists. The day features all family-friendly activities beginning with a 7 a.m. charity fun run hosted by Camden County High Schools DECA and HERO Club’s.

    Other festival events continue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include the 10 a.m. parade and vendors offering arts, crafts, food and activities. Angela Wigger, tourism director, stated “It’s a day of great food and guaranteed fun in the historic district.” A variety of performances and demonstrations will occur throughout the day at the main stage and the St. Marys Waterfront Park and when the sun goes down, an adults-only celebration begins at the annual Mardi Gras Ball.

    The Mardi Gras Ball will be held from 6:30 p.m. through midnight at Chaser’s at J’s British Pub. The adults-only party includes a buffet dinner, entertainment and dancing. Attire is a “Thrill of Victory” themed costume or formal wear. There will be a costume contest where prizes will be awarded for the most creative outfits that hold true to the theme. Mardi Gras would not be complete without the traditional announcement of the new King and Queen. This Monarch of Merriment and Queen of the Carnival will hold court by representing the St. Marys Mardi Gras Festival at functions over the coming year. The privilege of being selected as St. Marys royalty occurs by being the person who finds the King Cakes 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. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased with cash or check at Once Upon A Bookseller.

    The festival is presented by the St. Marys Downtown Merchants Association whose president, Doug Vaught, said “The festival has, again, been selected as a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. It promises to be a day that positively benefits the economy in St. Marys.”

    For vendor or parade applications or ball tickets contact Once Upon A Bookseller at 912-882-7350. For
    accommodation options or other information contact the St. Marys Welcome Center at 912-882-4000 or go to VisitStMarys.com.

  • A Mardi Gras Love Story

    A Mardi Gras Love StoryST. 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