Minden Mardi Gras Parade Rolls on Saturday January 26

Preparations have begun for the 15^th Annual Minden Mardi Gras Parade. The Minden Fasching Karneval and Parade, sponsored by Minden Main Street.        

The Minden Fasching Karneval and Parade will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013.

“We will emphasize and celebrate our German Heritage in Minden with the Fasching Karneval and Parade, says Pattie Odom, Downtown Development Director.  

The Fasching Karneval and Parade is being organized by volunteers from various organizations in the community, Minden Main Street, the Krewe des Ambassadeurs and Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. This year’s parade Chairman is Renee Simmons.

“The 2013 parade will include a ‘Battle of the Bands’, cash prizes will be awarded to the best performing bands in the parade in several categories," says Odom. "We are planning a full day and evening of festival activities beginning at 10 a.m. in downtown Minden with food and carnival rides, face painting and clowns for the kids."

The Karneval will premiere a carousel featuring a background painted in Germany.  Parade goers can come early and stake out their parade viewing space, shop downtown and enjoy on stage entertainment from 2 p.m. until the parade rolls at 5:30 p.m.

”The parade will begin at Elm Street and the Germantown Road, down Elm to East and West, East and West to McDonald, McDonald to Main Street turning just past the Court House to Broadway and back down to Elm and Homer Road," explains Chairman Simmons.

The royalty of  Krewe des Ambassadeurs  will reign over the festivities. “The Parade Committee is making a great effort to grow our family friendly parade,” adds Odom.  Families are encouraged to set up along the route throughout downtown and enjoy the karneval until time for the parade.

Organizations, schools, churches and families are also invited to participate in the parade by preparing floats.

“Parade entrants are asked to preregister by January 15 through the Minden Main Street Office,” says Odom.

Only those entries that register in advance will be permitted in the parade. Entry forms may be cut from the Minden Press-Herald or can be picked up at City Hall or the Minden South Webster Chamber of Commerce. Entrants may also register on line at the official website. The entry forms include times, categories and rules.

For more information, contact Pattie Odom at (318) 371-4258 or (318) 377-2144.