It’s time to break out the festive masks and funny hats for Meo Mio’s Mardis Gras Parade, the first of its kind in the Chattanooga area, set for Saturday, Feb. 18, and originating in Coolidge Park.
With the Tyner High School marching band leading off the parade, revelers will walk from Coolidge Park to the Market Street Bridge, across the Walnut Street Bridge and back to Coolidge Park. Participants should meet at 11:30 a.m. in Renaissance Park, then the parade will begin at noon in Coolidge Park.
“I believe it’s time to celebrate in Chattanooga,” says Brian Sabo, owner of Meo Mio’s Cajun & Seafood Restaurant, which opened in January and is hosting the family-friendly event. “Chattanooga has welcomed Meo Mio’s in its first month here and we want to give back. With Mardi Gras being such a big part of Cajun culture, what better way to celebrate than a parade?”
A traditional Mardi Gras parade is a unique event, Sabo says. Revelers typically dress up in masks, costumes and festive attire and throw beads, candy and other trinkets to spectators. Whereas large celebrations like that in New Orleans have motorized floats, Sabo suggests local participants create “human-powered floats,” such as decorated wagons and bicycles, to lend an authentic flair to the parade.
Mardi Gras masks, beads and other supplies are available at area party supply stores.
Mr. Sabo encourages participants to embrace the spirit of the event. “Dress up. Bring noisemakers. Anything goes,” he said. “If there’s a guy who wants to walk on stilts, he’s welcome to come.”
For more information, visit www.mardigraschattanooga.com or call 423 521-7160.
Meo Mio’s Cajun & Seafood Restaurant is at 4119 Cummings Highway.