Mardi Gras 2009 Masking, merrymaking mark annual Gulf Coast festivities

Brig. Gen. Dan Wyman, 81st Medical Group commander, is decked out in medieval garb to crown the king and queen of the medical center’s 21st annual Krewe of Medics ball, Saturday at the Imperial Palace Casino and Resort. This year’s royalty are Maj. (Dr.) Charles Greeson, 81st Medical Operations Squadron, and Joann Griggs, 81st Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Steve Pivnick)

Let the good times roll — parades take center stage

Published Feb. 4, 2009
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, BILOXI, MISS. -- Mardi Gras Day is Feb. 24 this year. Keesler units and representatives participate in some of the parades which kick off this weekend.

Saturday
Ocean Springs Elks, 1 p.m., 872-2501; 334th Training Squadron state flag team is participating.

Second Liners Mardi Gras Club, Biloxi, 1 p.m.; 209-8113; honor guard participates.

Orange Grove Carnival Association, 2 p.m.; 832-0079.

Feb. 13
Krewe of Selene, Diamondhead, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 14
Krewe of Essence, 3 p.m., Moss Point, 935-2931 or 369-1243.

Gautier Men's Club, 7 p.m.; 623-3580.

Feb. 15

Krewe of Nereids, Bay. St. Louis and Waveland, 1 p.m.; 586-2505 or 806-6471.

Long Beach Carnival Association, 2 p.m.; 343-3972.

Feb. 21
Krewe of Diamondhead, noon; 255-6922.

City of Biloxi children's walking parade, 1 p.m., 435-6339.

Jackson County Carnival Association, Pascagoula, 1 p.m.; 497-3269.

Krewe of Gemini day parade, Gulfport, 2 p.m.; 297-0377; honor guard and 335th TRS state flag team are marching. Chief Master Sgt. Alex Perry, 81st Training Wing command chief, tentatively set to ride one of the floats.

Feb. 22
St. Paul Carnival Association, Pass Christian, 1 p.m.; 547-4873.

North Bay Mardi Gras Association, D'Iberville, 1:30 p.m.; 875-4538; Brig. Gen. Greg Touhill, 81st TRW commander, rides on one of the floats, and the honor guard and 336th TRS state flag team participate.

Feb. 24
Gulf Coast Carnival Association, 1 p.m., Biloxi; 432-8806; honor guard partipates.