City: Oklahoma City, OK

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (405) 329-5108

Description: In the true spirit of Mardi Gras, this parade is a family-friendly tradition that celebrates the arts and community spirit with a nighttime moving carnival. Jeanne Flanigan, a local costume shop owner, started the parade in 1994. Over the years, it has grown and today it is overseen by the Norman Mardi Gras Parade Committee, which includes a number of local artists.Parade participants include performers, floats, bands, dancers, and animals. Among the nearly 50 entries in 2009 were the Jedi Oklahoma City Star Wars Fan Club, the Society of Creative Anachronism, the Oklahoma Victory Dolls Derby Team, Rowdy the Redhawk, the Oklahoma National Guard, fire dancers, and animals from the Little River Zoo. Longtime participant, Krewe of Buckeus tosses hundreds of stuffed animals into the crowd along the parade route, while the Krewe of Bogus throws mini–Moon Pies.Parade watchers should dress warmly and in layers. There is ample, free public parking within a half block of the parade route. The parade usually draws 5,000 to 6,000 people and is free.