Gearing up for Mardi Gras

Decorations throughout the Bay Breeze Event Center add a festive Mardi Gras touch Jan. 15, 2015, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. This year, Mardi Gras falls on Feb. 17, but the first parade of the carnival season is Jan. 31. For a complete list of events and parade routes in southern Mississippi, visit http://www.gulfcoast.org/visitors/events/mardigras/ (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Kemberly Groue)

Keesler prepares for Mardi Gras celebrations

Published Jan. 26, 2015
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Mardi Gras parades are a huge part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast's heritage. This year, Mardi Gras falls on Feb. 17, but the first parade of the carnival season is this Saturday.

For a complete list of events and parade routes in southern Mississippi, visit http://www.gulfcoast.org/visitors/events/mardigras/.

Traditionally, Keesler gets involved in the local observances. Base leaders sometimes ride parade floats or take in the sights from reviewing stands along the routes.

Here's a list of planned Keesler participation in area parades.

Jan. 31 - 1 p.m., Ocean Springs Elks Parade; 81st Training Group's 50-flag team and drum and bugle corps

Feb. 7 - 1 p.m., Biloxi Second Liners Mardi Gras Parade, 50-flag team; 5 p.m., Carnival Association of Long Beach Parade, base honor guard

Feb. 13 - 7 p.m., Ocean Springs Carnival Association Parade, base honor guard

Feb. 14 - 2 p.m., Gulfport Krewe of Gemini Day Parade, 50-flag team; 5:30 p.m., Biloxi Krewe of Neptune Parade, base honor guard

Feb. 15 - 1:30 p.m., North Bay (St. Martin/D'Iberville) Mardi Gras Parade; 81st TRG 50-flag team and drum and bugle corps, 403rd Wing Lil Bill miniature C-130 aircraft

Feb. 17 - 1 p.m., Biloxi Gulf Coast Carnival Association Parade, base honor guard and 403rd Wing Lil Bill miniature C-130 aircraft; 5:30 p.m., Gulfport Krewe of Gemini Night Parade, base honor guard