Mardi Gras in Lake Charles is in swing starting Twelfth Night, January 6. But the bulk of the activities crank up for Mardi Gras weekend, March 4-8. Not many people realize this, but outside New Orleans, Lake Charles has the largest Mardi Gras concerning number of krewes. The area has almost 60 krewes. Lake Charles is also the only place in the state to see all royal kings, queens and courts promenade in their exquisite costumes in one place - at the Royal Gala, March 7, the night before Mardi Gras!

For a full listing of Mardi Gras events, including parades, children's activities, canine costumes, gumbo cookoffs and more, visit www.swlamardigras.com.

FOR MARDI GRAS HOTEL PACKAGES: www.visitlakecharles.org/visitors/mardigraspackages