Smart Bets: Mardi Gras parade

Taking to the Asheville streets each February (or March, depending), regardless of the usually chilly temperatures, participants and spectators of the Mardi Gras parade unite over a shared fondness for goofy entertainment. The theme for this year’s parade is “Ashevillage People,” certain to inspire its own distinct and creative costumes, props and floats. On Sunday, Feb. 11, promptly at 3:05 p.m., the good times roll along a new route in the South Slope, moving through Hilliard, Coxe, Banks and Buxton avenues with a brief run on Church Street. As in past years, parade organizers note that “Asheville is not Bourbon Street. Alcohol and nudity are not part of our twist on Mardi Gras in the mountains. We are promoting a fun, safe event for all ages — with a definite emphasis on fun.” Free. ashevillemardigras.org. Photo by Paul Clark

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Edwin Arnaudin
Edwin Arnaudin is a staff writer for Mountain Xpress. He also reviews films for ashevillemovies.com and is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA) and North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA). Follow me @EdwinArnaudin

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

5 thoughts on “Smart Bets: Mardi Gras parade

  1. jason

    This is going to be a complete and utter BUST with the 100% chance of rain. Reschedule.

    • Michael Franco

      Hi Jason. Well, we certainly hope you’re not right! We’ve never once cancelled a Mardi Gras Parade and no matter the weather, we always manage to have a blast. We hope you’ll just gear up and come out and join us no matter what’s coming from the sky. And don’t forget, even if the parade is a bit soggy, there are great parties afterwards all along South Slope followed by the Queen’s Ball at Club 11 On Grove no matter what the weather does! — Michael Franco, AMG

    • Potts

      Its part of the spirit of the event. Those that have it will arrive – those that do not will not. Arrive to find Joy, short of outright dangerous circumstances, I’m sure many will.

  2. The Low-Down Sires

    The Low-Down Sires will be playing Old New Orleans jazz at Catawba Brewing Co on the South Slope from 5-8! Come check out the after party for some authentic vintage vibes. Cajun Food specials catered by FoodStop!

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.