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LaGrange’s family-friendly ​Mardi Gras parade, Krewe of Mask, will again fill downtown streets with frivolity on Saturday.

The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, with its traditional route beginning at Wild Leap Brewery, circling through Downtown LaGrange, and ending at South Bend SkatePark.

The first Krewe of the Mask parade was held in February 2017 with the theme “Mardi Gras Around the World.” Following that tradition, this year’s theme is “Krewe of Mask Falls in Love.”

As is Mardi Gras tradition, a king and queen are selected to preside over the festivities. This year’s King and Queen of Krewe of Mask are Charles and Mindy Kelly. 

Mindy is a native of Roswell, Georgia, and moved to LaGrange after marrying Charles in 1995. 

Charles has worked for B&C Aviation for 20 years, and Mindy is an employee of the Georgia Department of Transportation at the LaGrange office, where she has worked for the past 10 years. 

Mindy and Charles both deeply love Mardi Gras, its history, and traditions and embrace the merry frivolity of the season.

The City of LaGrange’s own Alton West will serve as this year’s parade grand marshal. West is the Community Development Director for the city. West was an officer with the LaGrange Police Department before taking his current role with the city. He was named the LaGrange Optimistic Club Police Officer of the Year in 1992 for his service to the community. In 1994, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant within the training division.

Although the Krewe of Mask parade is primarily about the fun, the event also serves as a fundraiser, with contributions going to the United Way of West Georgia.

People attending should expect to collect beads, doubloons, and other throws. Parade Co-Captain and “Mayor of Krew of Mask” John Cashen said they will be handing out this year’s “throw” as they are handmade masks made by the crew over the last year.

The festivities will continue after the parade. The traditional afterparty will be held at Brickhouse Grill at 141 Main Street in LaGrange. Watching the parade is free, but tickets to the afterparty are $40. Contact Goose Boudreaux at (407) 408-4831 or John Cashen at (706) 333-1644 to purchase tickets.