From the City of Havre de Grace Office of Tourism:
In the spirit of an authentic New Orleans Style, the Bulle Rock Mardi Gras Committee partnered with the Havre de Grace Opera House Foundation to put on the 2nd Annual MasquerAid Ball, with all proceeds to benefit the renovation of the Opera House. The Ball kicked off the anticipation for the Fat Tuesday parade. Tantalizing Cajun Cuisine created by Chef Mac and artwork done by JimmyO, had the Havre de Grace Community Center feel as if you were enjoying the French Quarter. To find out more on the Opera renovations go to www.operahousefoundation.org.
Monday February 16th, the Vandiver will be a holding Mardi Gras themed “Fat Monday Supper Club” where you can enjoy Lily’s Famous Gumbo, Spicy Shrimp, Cheesy Grits, Potato Salad, and Bananas Foster. More information available at www.vandiverinn.com
On Tuesday Feb 17th Havre de Grace welcomes visitors and locals to celebrate Maryland’s longest running Mardi Gras Parade along Bourbon Street, sponsored by the Havre de Grace Historic Preservation to benefit our community.
The 8th annual Havre de Grace Mardi Gras Parade will culminate with a festive Main Street procession at 6:30 pm on Fat Tuesday (February 17) where procession watchers will enjoy floats, costumed characters and a feast of beads for their evening of festivities.
The Methodist Church on Congress Ave will be hosting a traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner prior to the parade from 5pm – 7pm.
Parade Floats will be constructed by local businesses and artisans and the parade will proceed from Bourbon Street, Washington Street, and onto St. John Street. Havre de Grace embraces French culture with a grand week of celebration. “It is amazing to see time and creativity that is put into the floats. They get better each year with many surprises for all to enjoy,” stated Brigitte Peters, Tourism Manger for the City of Havre de Grace.
Post-procession parties will be held at restaurants and bars around town where party goers can kick off the night with specials, music, and more.
Mardi Gras week is a great to time book your stay at one of our lovely historic Bed and Breakfasts. Havre de Grace is “Always in Season” for a festive family friendly week. For more information go to www.explorehavredegrace.com. Or call 1-800-851-7756 to get your guide to all of Havre de Grace’s events.
Um, I think I may be a little late for my ashes next Wednesday! This will be my first Mardi Gras since moving to HdG this past Fall. Is it as fun as I hear?
Sounds like fun, but the difference is that NOLA is WARM this time of year. There likely won’t be many of the traditional “throw me something mister” requests at this parade…
WOW, Just think back. Eight years ago a guy named Dan started the parade and the city fathers didn’t support it. Now that someone else thought of it, it’s the best thing around.
Its truly worth your time to support this local creativity and festive atmosphere. You wont be disappointed with this mid winter splash of color and individuality