Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday night’s Taster’s Choice signaled the start of Mardi Gas festivities in Eunice.
But the party kicks into high gear at 7 p.m. Friday when Wayne Toups launches the live bands on 2nd Street that continue through Tuesday evening.
Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot said the event showcases the city’s hospitality and unique culture.
“That’s the best thing about it,” he said of Mardi Gras.
“Just looking at the weather forecast today for the rest of the week up until Mardi Gras it looks perfect,” he said. “I can tell you we are anticipating record crowds.”
The calls for information about the Mardi Gras celebration have been coming in from all over the country, he said.
The Little Mardi Gras at 9 a.m. Sunday had 50 trailers and 350 children registered as of Tuesday afternoon, he said.
The Courier de Mardi Gras that begins at 8 a.m. Tuesday had about 30 trailers registered as of Tuesday, Fontenot said.
“You just never know how many riders are going to sign up,” he said, but typically the day-long ride has about 1,000 participants.
During Mardi Gras events traffic will be blocked from the downtown area, he said.
Eunice Police Chief Randy Fontenot said motorists should not block driveways and if they do, the vehicle will be towed.
The police chief also urged people to lock their vehicles and not leave any valuable items in view.
Mardi Gras schedule
Friday
Live music at Fred Charlie Music Stage located at South 2nd and Walnut, with Wayne Toups and Spank the Monkey, from 7 to 10 p.m.
Saturday
At 10 a.m. T-Monde will perform.
At noon Jason Frey & Lagniappe will give a performance.
Fred Charlie & Friends will perform at 4 p.m.
At 3 p.m. there will be a Parade of Paws on 2nd Street, nearby Four Southern Girls. Enter your dog, dressed in required Mardi Gras costume. Contact Jerica Guillory for more information and details at 337-580-4100.
At the Jean Lafitte Prairie Acadian Culture Center at 3 p.m. there will be a music program, and at 4 p.m. there will be a Foodways demonstration. At 6 p.m. visit the Rendez-Vous Des Cajunz at the Liberty to enjoy a performance by Jesse Lege’ and the Basile Mardi Gras Association. Doors open at 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 for general admission.
At 7 p.m. Kyle Huval & Dixie Club Ramblers will perform at Fred Charlie Music Stage, South 2nd and Walnut.
Sunday
At 9 a.m. the Children’s Mardi Gras run will leave the Eunice Recreation Complex at Sittig Road.
The Little Mardi Gras run will meet at the Eunice Recreational Complex at Sittig Road in Eunice with sign-in for all pre-registered children at 7:30 a.m. Late registration will be 8 until 8:30 a.m.
The run will leave the complex at 9 a.m. There will be a lunch break at noon at the recreational complex. Registration provides lunch and a snack for the children. Parents will be able to purchase lunch at the stop after registrants are fed. If in your own truck, ice chests are allowed.
The Little Mardi Gras run will parade through Eunice beginning on North Second Street at 3 p.m. Feb. 26. For more information, details: call Eunice Mayor office at 337-457-7389, or Robert Johnson, at 337-457-0027.
At 9:30 a.m. there will be an Old Time Boucherie, downtown at city hall parking lot area.
At 10 a.m. at Fred Charlie Music Stage, at South 2nd and Walnut, Ryan Simon & Acadien will perform.
At noon LaRecoulte will perform.
At 4 p.m. Bubba Hebert & New Morse Playboys will give a performance.
At 3 p.m. the Children’s run will arrive downtown Eunice.
Monday
At noon, Dr. Barry Ancelet will have a presentation of the “History of the Rural Mardi Gras” athe Prairie Acadiana Cultural Center.
From 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Northwest Center, 501 Samuel Drive, Council on Aging will have its annual Mardi Gras Dance.
At 6 p.m. the Pine Leaf Boys will perform at the Fred Charlie Music stage, at S. 2nd and Walnut.
At 9 p.m. Travis Matte & The Zydeco Kingpins will give a live performance.
Mardi Gras
The adult Mardi Gras run will leave at 8 a.m. at the Northwest Center. Registration begins at 6 a.m. with registration fee of $30.
Trailers will be limited to 40, with 16 Association trailers, on a first come first serve basis. A fee of $30 per trailer will be charged. Drivers on the run cannot consume any kind of alcoholic beverages before or during the run.
Runners will register the morning of the Mardi Gras run at Northwest Center. Current proof of insurance is required on tow vehicles, with trailers must not exceed 20 feet. No portalets or runners will be allowed behind truck. Trailers must have 3 foot wall around the front and sides of the trailer.
Gumbo will be served for all runners from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Northwest Community Center.
For more information, call the Mayor’s office at 337-457-7389.
At 9:30 a.m. at the Fred Charlie music stage, Wallace Trahan & Rice-N-Gravy will give a performance.
At 11 a.m. Ronnie Matthews & Throw Down will perform.
At 1:30 Paul Daigle & Cajun Gold will perform.
At 4 p.m. Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys will perform.
At 6:30 p.m. Leroy Thomas & The Zydeco Roadrunners will perform.
For more information, call City Hall at 337-457-7389.