Here's your 2022 guide to Mardi Gras events in Monroe and West Monroe
Laissez les bon temps rouler! After taking a year off due to the COVID pandemic, Mardi Gras season is here, and there are a number of events planned throughout the Twin Cities, from fun-filled day events to parades.
Here is a guide to in-person Carnival events happening in Monroe and West Monroe this year.
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Krewe of Janus
Grand Ball on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.: Don't miss out on the Krewe of Janus's gala celebration at Bayou Point, 1 Warhawk Way, Monroe. The 39th King and Queen Janus Leo and Jan Nelson will over reign over the gala celebration and their Royal Court will be presented. The ball will feature entertainment from Mississippi-based band Hairicane. Tickets are currently available for purchase.
Krewe of Janus Children's Parade on Feb. 19 at 10 a.m.: Don't forget the kiddos and miss out on the annual Children's Parade! The 2022 Children's Mardi Gras Parade will be held at the Pecanland Mall.
11th Annual Krewe of Paws Mardi Gras Pet Parade on Feb. 19 at 11 a.m.: Bring the family and the "fur babies" to the annual pet parade!
39th Annual Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 19 at 6 p.m.: Don't miss out on the Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Parade! The traditional Mardi Gras parade is set to feature marching bands, floats and costumes.
Krewe de Riviere
Children's and Pet Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 12 at 10 a.m.: Come out and celebrate Mardi Gras with the Krewe de Riviere. Enjoy food trucks and activities in Downtown River Market, Monroe.
Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 12 at 5 p.m.: Don't miss out on this year's Krewe de Riviere's third annual Mardi Gras parade! This year's theme is the "Greatest Sheaux." The parade will start at West Monroe High School, turn left onto N. 7th Street, then right onto Mill Street across the Louisville Bridge onto Louisville Ave., left onto N. 5th Street, turn right onto Pine Street and left onto Walnut Street ending at the Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court.
Mardi Gras Madness
Come to the Downtown River Market in Monroe on Feb. 12 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. to hang out for the day and prepare for the Krewe de Riviere Parade. Activities planned for the day include live music, bouncy houses, mask making stations, food trucks, magicians and much more family fun.
Krewe of PAWS Mardi Gras Parade
PAWS of Northeast Louisiana is hosting their 15th Annual Krewe of PAWS Mardi Gras Pet Parade Fundraiser on Feb. 19. In addition to the parade, there will be music, food, games for the kids, prizes and an abundance of adorable pets.
The parade will start on Commerce Street in Antique Alley, go north on Commerce and turn left onto Pine Street, left onto Trenton Street and up Trenton Street then left onto Wood Street. The parade will left back onto Commerce Street and end back at the registration tents.
Online pre-registration for parade participation is available Jan. 17 through Feb. 7 at pawsnela.org. The cost is $25 for the first pet and $5 for each additional pet. Parade day registration begins at 11 a.m. with the cost of $25 for the first pet and $10 for each additional pet. Costume and float contests are $5 each and will be held at noon. Parade line-up starts at 12:30 p.m. and the parade starts at 1 p.m.
Jester Jog Color 5K
Calling all nature enthusiasts? Don't miss out on the Jester Jog Color 5K on Feb. 19 at 2:30 p.m. Participants will be given the opportunity to run a portion of the West Monroe Mardi Gras Parade Route and Downtown West Monroe on a double-loop route.
The 5k is not timed. Participants can choose to do only one loop and make it a half run. The 5K begins at 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Wood and Commerce Street in Antique Alley in downtown West Monroe. Ainsley's Angels are encouraged to join and asked to apply under the Ainsley's Angels category.
The $35 entry fee for the 5K includes T-shirt, buff (a wind-resistant, breathable, bandanna-like piece of apparel) and sunglasses. $35 entry for Ainsley's Angels includes two T-shirts, two buffs and two sunglasses. $20 entry fee includes a T-shirt only. Prospective participants can pick up a packet at The Perfect Find, 314 Trenton Street, from noon to 7 p.m. or 11 a.m. in Alley Park on Feb. 19.
Follow Ian Robinson on Twitter @_irobinson and on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3vln0w1.
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This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Monroe, West Monroe Mardi Gras guide for carnival in 2022
