Saturday, February 14, 2009:

Mystic Krewe of Aquarius 22nd Annual Mardi Gras Kick-off Parade – 12:00 noon. King Aldan Kahla and his Queen Teri Kahla say “Be My Valentine in 2009” as they lead the 80-unit Aquarius parade down the Seawall. Hurricane Ike did not dampen our spirits or our bead throwing as the big parade rolls down the famous boulevard with colorful Aquarius floats, 185 Krewe members and 15 marching bands. For the most beads in all of Mardi Gras, don’t miss the Aquarius Kickoff Parade. Begins at 14th and Seawall and continues west to 59th Street.

Galveston County Firefighter’s Association 3rd Annual Fire Truck Parade – 3:00pm. A huge hit in its first two years, the Fire Truck Parade looks to be even bigger this year. Parade begins at 14th Street and Seawall and heads west on Seawall to 61st Street.

Krewe of Gambrinus “Lights up the Night ” Parade - 6:00pm, King Gambrinus throws a party for 200,000 of his closest friends with over 650,000 throws and a fantastic fireworks display. Parade runs along Seawall Blvd. from 22nd St. to Central City Blvd. (63rd St.) in Galveston. Free to the public. Info: 409-770-0876, tjmorgan1995@sbcglobal.net , www.kreweofgambrinus.org.

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Friday, February 20th, 2009:

Krewe du Vroom 3rd Annual Motorcycle Parade – 7:00pm. The first and only All-motorcycle Mardi Gras Krewe in the United States will parade for the third time. Come early to see and hear “VROOM”. Stages at 25th and New Strand. Parade travels south to 25th Street to Mechanic, east on Mechanic to 20th Street, north on 20th Street to Strand, west on Strand to 25th Street, south on 25th Street to Market Street. Information: kreweduvroom@aol.com.

Krewe Babalu 4th Annual “All Krewe Parade” – 8:00 pm Start time. Stages at 26th and Santa Fe Place. Right on 25th Street, Left on Mechanic to 21st Street. Left on 21st Street to Strand. Left on Strand to 25th Street. 25th Street to Santa Fe Place. Parade participation open to all Krewes, businesses, civic and fraternal entities. Info: Gladden Walters at 281-703-3331, gwalters111@aol.com.

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Saturday, February 21, 2009:

Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade – Battle of the Bands begins at 9:00am at Kempner Park, with the parade beginning at 11:00am. Fun for families with lots of beads, trinkets, stuffed animals, and bands with their high-stepping marching style from Houston. After the parade, come join us in the church yard for cultural food and more bead throwing and dancing. For more information, contact Valerie Clouser McHenry at 713-494-9746 or valmac2001@aol.com. Parade begins at 27th and Avenue O, travels south to Seawall, west on Seawall to 31st, north on 31st to Holy Rosary at Avenue N.

Z Krewe 15th Z Processional – 1:00pm. Z Krewe’s 15th Annual Z Processional will wind its way through the historic streets of downtown Galveston and The Strand area, “Perpetuating the Spirit of Mardi Gras” with bands, beads, and merriment. This year’s theme of “La Dolce Vita” salutes Italy’s love of life. This year’s Zanie Processional, led by Big Daddy and Big Momma 15, will make its way to the Trumpet’s balcony where King and Queen Zanie XV and their Royal Court of Zoots and Zaftigs will salute the crowd and party on the Strand. The processional’s route will begin at 25th Street and Mechanic, travel east along Mechanic to 20th Street, and then proceed to the Strand. Z Krewe’s parade of partygoers will continue west on the Strand ending at 25th Street. Info: www.zkrewe.net or call 409-933-4413.

Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade – 6:30 p.m. Mardi Gras! Galveston’s largest parade will feature floats, Mummers, marching bands, dignitaries, bead throwing and more. Parade starts at Seawall Boulevard and 19th Street, turns right on 25th Street and continues to Mechanic Street. Right on Mechanic Street to 21st Street, turn left on 21st to The Strand. Left on Strand and end at the Railroad Museum, public viewing, no charge. Info: 409-744-3307.

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Sunday, February 22, 2009:

11th Annual Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Mardi Gras Parade - 1:00 pm, line-up begins at noon. Bringing out the best in people and their pets, this parade begins at 27th and Seawall and continues down Seawall Boulevard. Pets of all sizes, shapes, and species are welcome (costumes optional). Pre- parade costume contest, with the winners making up the Royal Court. This parade benefits the daily operations of the Galveston Island Humane Society. $20 advance registration and $25 day of parade. Info and registration: Caroline Dorsett, (409) 740-1919 or gihs@sbcglobal.net.

Mardi Gras Children’s Parade - 2:00pm, Firefighters Local 571 hosts a parade dedicated to the families and children of Galveston. The 2009 parade celebrates “A Salute to Comic Book Heroes”, with costumed kids and decorated floats. Parade begins at 27th Street and Seawall, and proceeds to 47th Street to the Academy parking lot. Pre-registration for parade participation is required. Info: Charles Olsen at 409-789-1265 or www.childrensparade.org.

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Tuesday, February 24, 2009:

Mystic Krewe of Aquarius “Fat Tuesday” Parade – 6:30pm. Aquarius is proud to help the post-Ike recovery of Downtown and the Strand with their 15th annual popular “Fat Tuesday” parade. The parade will feature 10 Aquarius floats and entries by several other Krewes. There will be high-stepping marching groups and plenty of beads to please revelers in these final hours of Mardi Gras Galveston 2009. Parade begins at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place, travels South on 25th Street to Postoffice Street, east on Postoffice Street to 19th Street, north on 19th Street to Strand, west on Strand to Santa Fe Place.

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