Mardi Gras Fun

Did you know that New Orleans is not where Mardi Gras originated? Although the city and celebration are closely associated, Mardi Gras has its roots in Mobile, where it has been celebrated for more than 300 years.
Most people have a preconceived notion of what Mardi Gras in New Orleans is, or at least could be, like. Mobile's celebration is more laid-back, a family friendly affair that involves trinkets and Moon Pies.
From Mobile to the Alabama Gulf Coast, cities and towns plan their own ways to celebrate Fat Tuesday and the weeks leading up to it. From now until Feb. 24, there are numerous parade featuring the many krewes in the area and the elaborates floats and costumes they have come to be known for.
Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have parades planned for the big day. The benefit to choosing these celebrations over their big-city cousins is the small-town, family atmosphere to be found in each location. And with one parade in the morning and the other planned for the afternoon, you get twice the fun in a single trip!
Visit www.thebeachiscalling.org to find out about Mardi Gras events.