Eunice city workers John Boone, Keith Blanchard and Todd Smith set prepare to set up banners for the state at Walnut and 2nd streets where the Mardi Gras music began Friday evening. The bands continue through Tuesday. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)
Eunice party is
pointed to Tuesday
Don’t let the forecast of rain today lead you to believe the Mardi Gras celebration in Eunice will be curtailed.
On Friday, city workers were busy putting the final touch on the music stage at Walnut and 2nd streets.
But looming over the celebration was a forecast on Friday of a 90 percent chance of rain today.
There may be modifications, but a children’s parade scheduled at 9 a.m. today will roll rain or not.
The music downtown begins at 10 a.m.
Weather rarely shuts down the Mardi Gras.
Mondays’s forecast is for a high of 46 degrees and Tuesday it warms up to 49 degrees. With all the partying, it may be difficult to feel the 30-degree lows.
Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot said, “We are just praying for some good weather, but rain or shine it is going to go on.”
The mayor said he isn’t worried about the crowds showing up.
On Tuesday, there is non-stop music downtown ending with Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys capping off the celebration with a performance starting at 4 p.m.
Tuesday also brings the what is thought to be the 123rd year of the Eunice Courir de Mardi Gras. The parade of horses, wagons and vehicles parades through downtown Eunice Tuesday afternoon.
The ride on Tuesday usually draws hundreds of people on horseback and on wagons.
The schedule includes the following.
Sunday (stage at Walnut and 2nd streets)
10 a.m. live music begins.
9 a.m. – Lil’ Mardi Gras (children’s’ run) leaves the Eunice Recreation Complex.
9:30 a.m. – Old Time Boucherie (hog butchering) on 2nd Street.
3 p.m. – Lil’ Mardi Gras arrives downtown on 2nd Street.
7:30 p.m. – Fais Do-Do Barn Dance at Lakeview Park & Beach
Monday (stage at Walnut and 2nd streets)
7 p.m.-till – live music.
8 a.m. – Annual Lundi Gras Boucherie at Lakeview Park & Beach
Noon – Presentation at the Liberty Theatre – history of rural Mardi Gras with Dr. Barry Ancelet.
1 to 3 p.m. – Mardi Gras dance at the Northwest Community Center.
9 p.m. – Live music at Nicks on 2nd.
9 p.m. – Fais Do-Do Barn Dance at Lakeview Park & Beach.
Tuesday (stage at Walnut and 2nd streets)
9:30 a.m. -till – Live music.
8 a.m. – Courir de Mardi Gras & Chicken Run leaves the Northwest Community Center.
10 a.m. – Arts and crafts, food, music, and dancing (downtown)
3 p.m. – Truck parade followed by the Courir de Mardi Gras.
6 p.m. – Live music at Nicks on 2nd.
7:30p.m. – Fais Do-Do Barn Dance at Lakeview Park & Beach.