Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras

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LindseyJanies.com

If you're going to be in Lake Charles or anywhere in Southwest Louisiana this Mardi Gras, there's plenty of fun to be had. The area presents a packed Carnival calendar, including but by no means limited to these highlights. Keep abreast of these events even more Mardi Gras festivities all around Southwest Louisiana at swlamardigras.com.

February 17

Merchants Parade: Local business and civic leaders march the streets of downtown-midtown Lake Charles during this community-oriented parade. 7 pm. visitlakecharles.org. 

February 18

World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off: Amateur and professional teams compete for the chicken & sausage, seafood, and wild game gumbos. 8 am–2 pm at the Civic Center. $10, kids ten and younger free. visitlakecharles.org. 

Mystical Krewe of Barkus Parade: Furry and fabulous, costumed pets parade down Gill Street for one of the most highly attended parades of the season, all competing for the title "Mystical Dog". Time to-be-decided. visitlakecharles.org.

Krewe of Omega Parade: The only Southwest Louisiana Krewe to hold its own parade, Omega celebrates the African American community of the region. 2 pm. visitlakecharles.org.

Louisiana Saturday Night in DeRidder Parade: This first-annual parade departs from the corner of Pine Street and 171 South, heading north on Pine Street and ending at Steamboat Bills. 5 pm. louisianatravel.com.

February 19

Lake Charles Children's Parade: Fun on wheels for the little ones. 3:30 pm. visitlakecharles.org.

February 21

Jeeps on Parade: The name says it all about this Jeep-centric Lake Charles Mardi Gras Parade down Ryan Street. 2 pm. visitlakecharles.org.

Krewe of Krewes: The big one. Over a hundred floats from a variety of local krewes roll through downtown Lake Charles starting at 5 pm. visitlakecharles.org.

Iowa Chicken Run: Even if you don't catch a chicken, you can have some gumbo after the chase. Parade departs from the Iowa Knights of Columbus Hall at 8 am. $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. visitlakecharles.org.

Second Line Stroll: Skipping the floats, area groups strut their Mardi Gras spirit down Ryan Street to the tunes of Mardi Gras music in this walking parade. 1 pm. visitlakecharles.org.

Motor Gras Parade: Right behind the Jeep-snobs, hot rods classics and motorcycles ride down Ryan. 3 pm. visitlakecharles.org.