Carnegie Carnival: A Mardi Gras Extravaganza!

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Carnegie Carnival: A Mardi Gras Extravaganza!

Lillie Beth Warner • February 17, 2023

Decatur will celebrate Mardi Gras big this year with the annual Carnegie Carnival! The party will kick off this weekend starting Friday, Feb. 17th!

Grab your beads and join in the fun at this year's Carnegie Carnival! There is so much to do at this incredible event that you are sure to have a great time. The Carnegie Carnival is Decatur's biggest party. It is an incredible fundraiser for the Carnegie Center for the Arts that combines the excitement and glamour of Mardi Gras with the community. Check out all the events happenings this weekend below!

Shake it like never before at the Cake Shake!

If you want to treat your sweet tooth this Mardi Gras you should stop by Carnegie's Cake Shake held at the Princess Theatre! On Friday, February 17th there will be free cake and tasty treats for everyone! Starting at 7:00 PM you can join Queen Lindsey, Queen Holly, King Doug, and King Wade in celebrating the Carnival Season. Make sure to try the traditional Mardi Gras favorite King Cake. There will be cakes galore, dancing along to fantastic tunes by Lydia Britton and the Royal Family, libations, it will be an all-around blast!

Work off the king cake at the Carnival Frolic Half Marathon

If you prefer to start Mardi Gras off with some celebratory exercise you can participate in the 6th annual Carnival Frolic 13.1-mile race. This race will be taking you through Decatur's acclaimed historic districts, along the Tennessee River, and through Point Mallard Park. If a half marathon isn't quite your speed you can participate in the 5k option. All participants from either race will receive a collectible medal, t-shirt, and fun swag bag. There will be cash prizes awarded to winners. So grab your friends and get signed up today!

You can register in person on Friday, February 17th at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center, 207 Church Street, from 10am-6pm during packet pick-up or on Saturday, February 18th, before the race from 6:00 AM- 6:45 AM. The race will officially start at 7:00 AM on February 18th, 2023!

Cost is:

Half Marathon: $75

5K: $55

Relay Option: $120

Enjoy lunch while listening to music at Mardi Grass

If you are looking for a fun activity for the family where you can grab a bite to eat and listen to some smooth tunes check out Mardi Grass at the Brick Deli on Saturday, February 18th from 12:00 PM- 8:00 PM. This local Decatur restaurant has delicious sandwiches and even better vibes with musicians playing all afternoon.

12:00- Calhoun Community College Jazz Band

2:00- Nitrate City

4:00- Blagburn

8:00- Diablo Sandwich and the Dr. Peppers

Party with the Prince and Princess at the Day Parade

On Saturday, February 18th at 12:30 PM you can join CASA of North Alabama for a morning of free kids’ events and games, family entertainment, and art for everyone. Stay for a parade fit for a prince and princess. Watch local children and teens parade via foot, bike, and float starting at Founders Park at the corner of Bank Street and Church Street and ending at the Farmers Market. If you would like to see who will be crowned Carnival Prince and Princess head to the Princess Theatre. It is sure to be fun time for the whole family!

Get creative at the Children's Creation Station and enjoy train rides with the kids!

If you are looking for a way to get creative this Mardi Gras, explore the offerings by the Carnegie Visual Arts Center. The Carnegie partners with the Kiwanis of Decatur to offer free art projects for kids. The Creation Station will be located on 1st Avenue at the Decatur Farmer’s Market by the Carnival Midway games. The art project will start around 11:00 AM.

Also at the Farmer's Market will be the Midway games! The Carnegie will supply Carnival-style games that offer fun for kids of all ages. Purchase tickets for $1 per game. There will be prizes for everyone. make sure to check out the free train rides are available for all ages! Carnival Midway will be located on 1st Avenue at the Decatur Farmer’s Market by the Creation Station.

Bring your furry friends to the Canine Parade!

Dogs of all sizes and breeds, dressed in their Mardi Gras best, will take to the streets of historic downtown Decatur, Alabama for the most colorful pooch parade and dog walk you will ever witness. Before the canine parade, the Carnegie Carnival 2023 Sir Bow Wow and Lady Barks-a-Lot will be crowned! Join in to see the cutest parade in town on Saturday, February 18th at 2:30 PM!

Watch A Princess at the Princess!

On Saturday afternoon at the Princess Theatre you can enjoy a free showing of the adored Disney movie The Princess and the Frog! The movie will be Presented by the Carnegie Visual Arts Center and explore the story of an ambitious young lady who befriends a royal amphibian and a delightful adventure ensues! Entertain children of all ages with this adorable cartoon that has some New Orleans flare.

The Main Event: The 2023 Carnegie Carnival Parade!

If you are wanting to see a full-size replica of a wooden pirate ship “sail” down the street make sure to attend the Carnegie Carnival Parade on Saturday, February 18th starting at 6:00 PM! This Carnival is North Alabama’s Premier Mardi Gras Celebration that you do not want to miss. Join the Pirate Crewe O’Ye Crooked Goat, the Sirens of Achelous and Skeleton Crewe, Joe Cain’s Merry Widows, that wild and crazy Crewe of Chaos, and the Majesties of Marmac, plus many, many more for an unforgettable night of fabulous floats, music, dancing, and most importantly family fun!

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