Photo by Tana Ross

Photo by Shawn Arrajj

Photo by Tana Ross

From live music to an umbrella parade, residents are invited to partake in the city of Magnolia's third annual Mardi Gras on the Stroll Feb. 14 throughout the downtown area.

"This is going to be an amazing event," Magnolia Economic Development Coordinator Tana Ross said. "We have had so many people calling with new offerings for this daylong festival."

The festival takes place from 2–6 p.m. and features an assortment of family-friendly activities, including a custom automobile showcase from Dooley & Sons Hot Rod Shop at the Yellow House located on Commerce Street. Along the Stroll, children can enjoy arts and crafts and a rock climbing wall.

The Beignet Cafe and other vendors will serve an assortment of festival foods for attendees. In addition, Lone Pint Brewery will be open for tours and samples, and Las Fuentes Mexican Restaurant and Bar will sell beer and wine margaritas near the Cajun cookoff site.

The Mardi Gras event will be topped off with live music performances on three stages. Country and rock band The Stringbenders will play in Sullivan Park, the Greg Tivis Jazz Band plans to take the stage in the afternoon behind Chicken Express on FM 1774 and DJ Jim Moody of Spring will perform at the Yellow House and accept song requests.

One of main showcases of the Mardi Gras event is the dancing umbrella parade with face painting available on-site for guests, Ross said. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early at 1 p.m. for the show in costumes, and participants will meet at the Magnolia United Methodist Church pavilion on Commerce St. before strolling four blocks to Sullivan Park during the parade, she said.

Miss Magnolia Courtney Cantu has been selected to serve as the honorary parade marshal, and the Finisimo precision drill team with their paso fino horses will be showcased in the grand finale, Ross said.

The winners of the Cajun ready mix cookoff held earlier in the day will be announced at 5 p.m. during the Mardi Gras event on the Sullivan Park stage. Visitors can purchase a $5 ticket to sample cookoff entries and vote for the people's choice award.