Excitement is building on the coast

There is an excitement in the air on the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast. People are talking about parades, decorations are going up and ball gowns are being purchased. It is almost February. For locals, February means Mardi Gras.

Most people think about New Orleans and the crazy crowds when Mardi Gras comes to mind. But, Mobile has the honor of being the first to celebrate Mardi Gras. Mobile also has a more family-friendly celebration. The port city’s parades start January 29 with the Conde Cavaliers on the downtown streets.

Beads, Moon Pies and toys will be flying in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, too. The Mystics of Pleasure starts the Pleasure Island parades Saturday, February 13, in Orange Beach at 5:30 p.m. February 16, Mardi Gras day, the Gulf Shores parade rolls at 10 a.m. and the parade in Orange Beach is at 1:30 p.m. We even have a Carnival boat parade that starts 3 p.m. at The Wharf in Orange Beach, travels the Intercoastal Waterway and ends at LuLu’s in Gulf Shores.

If you have never been to a Mardi Gras parade, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are a good place to start. The floats are fun for all ages. All you have to worry about is where to put all the beads and throws you catch.

February is a great time to be on Alabama’s coast. Come get caught up in the excitement and don’t forget your purple, green and gold accessories.

post provided by Luanne Burnett