Mardi Gras 2010

Jambalaya, moon pies, and beads oh my!  When those three words come together on one day, it can only mean one thing--  it’s Mardi Gras time in Santa Rosa County.

The Main Street Milton Mardi Gras Parade will kick off Thursday Feb. 11 at 6:00, starting at Milton High School and ending at North Willing Street and Highway 90. 

Serene Keiek, the parade project manager said the parade has been a success in the past, and this year, it has an extended route.

“This is my second year helping out with the parade, and we always have a good turnout,” Keiek said.  “This year we have extended the route, and we’re going through downtown Milton.

“In the past we always stopped near the school extension office on Berryhill Road.”

The parade will begin at the high school and wind its way down Stewart Street, onto Berryhill Road, and eventually stop at North Willing Street and Highway 90.  An awards ceremony will be held at Blackwater Bistro on Elmira Street following the end of the parade. 

There, awards will be given in five different categories, including best equestrian, best overall entry and best non-commercial float.

An award will also be presented to the best umbrella for the second annual umbrella march, a tradition only Milton holds as far as Keiek knows.

“We do a second line umbrella march, which is based off of a New Orleans tradition, but we are the only place around here that does it,” Keiek said. “Normally they are called the second line dance, and ours allows everyone to participate in the parade.”

The umbrella dance allows citizens and small businesses to participate in the parade for a small donation that will help fund the local Relay for Life.  The only thing needed to participate is a decorated umbrella dressed up Mardi Gras style. 

“All proceeds collected for the umbrella line dance go directly to the Relay for Life,” Keiek said.

Right now, Keiek said Mainstreet Milton have close to 40 entries, not including the walkers. 

Among floats and umbrellas will also be music from several schools around the region, including the Milton High School jazz band. 

Equestrian and motorcycle entries will also be accepted. 

The deadline for submitting applications for the parade was February 1, and late fees may be applied to all who submit an application late. The cost for entering the parade is $35.00 for commercial, and $25.00 for non-profit.

“We are still accepting applications, but we do not accept them the day of the parade,” Keiek said.

Umbrella marchers can sign up either before or on the day of the parade. 

No alcohol is allowed at the parade, as it is a family style celebration. So grab your bags, and be ready to catch plenty of beads and moon pies. 

For more information, or to enter a float in the parade, visit the Mainstreet Milton website at www.mainstreetmilton.org.