ST. ANDREWS — The Krewe of St. Andrews kicks off Mardi Gras this weekend with parades, live music, Cajun food and a festival featuring fun for all ages through the streets of Historic St. Andrews.
The Kids and Pet Parade leads off the celebration at 4 p.m. Friday from Beck Avenue at 15th Street to 11th Street. The children’s parade will include throws of beads, small stuffed animals and Mardi Gras bracelets.
“We have over 50 pounds of beads,” said Pam George, public relations chairwoman, Krewe of St. Andrews.
The Main Parade is set for 2 p.m. Saturday. The route starts from 11th Street and Flower Avenue, down 11th to Beck Avenue, then north on Beck to 15th Street.
Both parades, which each have 40 float entries, are showcased around the St. Andrews Outdoor Festival from 4-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.
“They have sold out on vendors in the festival this year,” George added.
Bands include Todd Sparks from 4-6 p.m. Friday followed by The Mighty Hurricanes from 6:30-9:30 p.m. In Tune leads Saturday’s music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Civilized Natives 4:30-6:30 p.m. after the Main Parade. Barbed Wire Creek wraps up the festival with Southern Rock from 7-10 p.m. Saturday in front of Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill on Bayview Avenue.
Back Porch BBQ will be back in business as a “Big Red” food truck Friday in front of the Shrimp Boat Restaurant on Beck Avenue selling barbecue, including pulled pork, brisket and smoked Cajun sausage sandwiches, Brunswick Stew and pork nachos.
Four Winds Grille & Spirits on Bayview Avenue also is cooking up special Mardi Gras plans.
“We’ll do beer and brats and barbecue, but keep it within the restaurant,” said owner Cassandra Johnston, who will be doing some cooking out back. “True Soul will be here for all Mardi Gras Friday and Saturday.”
The Ukes of St. Andrews also will bring Mardi Gras sounds of Uptown Funk, Iko Iko and Jambalaya to Four Winds.
The Krewe of St. Andrews, a civic organization founded in 1997, has more than 180 members. Through the years, the Krewe has donated more than $50,000 to local non-profit organizations and charities from fundraisers. On Saturday, the Krewe will check presentations to Girls Inc. and the Children’s Home Society.
Led by 2015 King Ed Strickland and Queen Darlene Tate, this year’s Royal Court includes Prince Tim and Princess Kathy Bedford, Prince Ed and Princess Kathy Benner, Prince Guy and Princess Jean Ellis, and Prince Bob and Princess Kathy Majka.
This year’s King and Queenhave chosen Warrior Beach Retreat (WarriorBeachRetreat.org) as this year’s charity partner.
“I have been volunteering with Soldiers’ Angels since about 2008, so that’s how I got to know Linda Cope and their story. It’s just something near and dear to my heart. They serve the country for us and pay the ultimate price, and we live in a beautiful place.... This is time for them to have some enjoyment and time for their family,” said Tate, who added, “Ed’s dad was in the Air Force, a World War II veteran who just passed away this year.”
All of the proceeds from Friday’s Ragin’ Cajun Cook Off will be donated to Warrior Beach Retreat. The Cajun buffet is at 7 p.m. in the parking lot across from Uncle Ernie’s. For a $10 donation, enjoy favorite dishes from restaurants and individuals.
Proceeds from the Krewe’s January and February BunKOSA fundraisers also go to the charity.
“Last month raised $762,” Tate said. “It’s $15 for dinner and to play Bunko.”
For more information about the Feb. 12 BunKOSA fundraiser, call Tate at 890-9309.
ST. ANDREWS MARDI GRAS
- What: 18th annual St. Andrews Mardi Gras Parades and Festival; sponsored by The Krewe of St. Andrews
- Where: Streets of Historic St. Andrews
- When: 4-10 p.m. Friday with Kids & Pet Parade at 4 p.m.; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday with Main Parade at 2 p.m.
- Details: StAndrewsMardiGras.com
PARKING
- Friday: No parking on Beck Avenue south of 15th Street and no parking on 11th Street west of Frankford Avenue between 1-6 p.m. Also, no parking from Beck or Bayview avenues south of 12th Street between 6-10 p.m.
- Saturday: No parking on Beck Avenue south of 15th Street and no parking on 11th Street west of Flower Avenue between 1-6 p.m. Also, no parking on Beck or Bayview avenues south of 12th Street between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- According to a news release from the Panama City Police Department, any vehicles left unattended or parked on these roadways after the specified times will be towed at the owner’s expense. If your vehicle has been towed, call 850-872-3112 for towing information.