Are you ready? Date set for Hattiesburg's 2023 Caerus Mardi Gras Parade

Mardi Gras revelers in Hattiesburg: Mark your calendars. The 12th annual Caerus Mardi Gras Parade is set for Feb. 18.

Paradegoers can expect to find themed floats, marching bands and walking krewes with lots of music, colorful beads and other throws for kids and those who are kids at heart.

Past participants have included the Honey Island Clydesdales, Southern Miss cheerleaders, local businesses and nonprofit organizations and parade sponsor Keith's Superstores. Co-sponsoring this year is Mississippi Made and More.

Tens of thousands paradegoers attend the event each year on the Saturday before Mardi Gras.

This year's parade will begin at 1 p.m. Feb. 18, with lineup along the U.S. 49 service road at Seventh Street.

Want to enter a float?Click here to download printable registration form

The 2.2-mile route will continue south on the frontage road to Hardy Street, turning right on Hardy and proceeding west to 38th Avenue before ending on Morningside Drive.

Parade throws are not allowed on 38th Avenue after the route ends.

Parade organizers are hoping attendees will take in the Southern Miss basketball or baseball games scheduled before and after the parade.

Facebook event:Click here for more parade information

Leading this year's parade will be Bailey Sanderford, who was captain of the 2022 parade. Her father, the late Lance Sanderford, was a longtime supporter of Caeurus a former parade leader.

Registration is open for those wanting to enter a float in the parade. For more information, email hburgmardigrasparade@yahoo.com.

Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.

This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Hattiesburg Caerus Mardi Gras parade will be Feb. 18