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Barefoot Mardi Gras: New Orleans festivities coming to CC

Posted at 11:26 PM, Feb 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-22 00:53:26-05

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Grab those Mardi Gras beads and masks because the 11th Annual Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade and Festival will take place in Corpus Christi on Saturday.

The parade begins with a parade at Whitecap Beach at 11 a.m.

This year's parade features 100 entries, including more than 60 floats decorated in traditional Mardi Gras theme.

Those watching from the parade route can get ready for the bead-tossing and candy-throwing.

People travel from all across the state to join in on the fun. KRIS 6 News spoke to the Andrade family, who made the 2 1/2 hour trip from New Braunfels.

"We're just all about making memories," said Ashlie Andrade. "That's what the kids talk about. They've been coming for five years now."

"We like Mardi Gras," said Rylie Andrade, a fifth grader. "It's fun because we get beads and candy."

Event organizers said they're expecting crowds of up to 8,000 people, so revelers might want to get to the event a little early.

Before you go, make sure to plan ahead. Organizers said if you want to watch the parade, you can get to the beach by driving on Beach Access Road 4, Beach Access Road 5, or Whitecap Boulevard.

While it may not be in New Orleans, Barefoot Mari Gras brings the spirit of that city to Corpus Christi.

"It feels like you're in Louisiana, but you're actually on the beach," said Ashlie Andrade. "I feel like it's as close you can get to Mardi Gras."

A festival will run through 5 p.m. at the Briscoe King Pavilion in Padre Balli Park. Admission is $5. It will feature food trucks, live jazz and Cajun music, exhibitors, an art show, and free children's activities.

The 2020 King and Queen Ball will take place on Feb. 25, which is Fat Tuesday, with a New Orleans-style event that includes Cajun food, live music, and different fun activities.

That will take place from 6:30-11 p.m. at Waves Resort on Padre Island. The new Barefoot King and Queen will be crowned at 9 p.m.

Tickets for the Ball are $30 per person in advance or $40 at the door. The event is for those who are 21 years and older. Costumes are encouraged.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Island Foundation Schools and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

To learn more, visit www.barefootmardigras.com.