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Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Being the “catch” of the town has a whole new meaning from Jan. 6-Feb. 21, as Southwest Louisiana hosts the second largest Mardi Gras in Louisiana. With more than 50 krewes, we make sure the whole family has something to celebrate.
The excitement kicks off on Jan. 6 with the annual Twelfth Night Celebration, as the royal courts from 2011 usher in the new year in style with their extraordinary and intricate costumes. After Twelfth Night, Laissez les bons temps rouler, as the celebration and festivities pack the calendar until Fat Tuesday on Feb. 21.
Don’t miss the Mardi Gras Queen’s Pageant on Saturday, Jan. 14, where the 2012 Miss Mardi Gras will be selected. And put on your dancin’ shoes for the free Mardi Gras Community Dance for special needs citizens on Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Every day is a reason to celebrate during Mardi Gras, and as Mardi Gras weekend approaches, the celebration kicks in to full gear with parades, cook-offs, balls, galas and more! Start out with the Merchant’s Parade on Friday, Feb. 17, and get ready for some fun on Saturday, Feb. 18 with the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-Off, the mystical Krewe of Barkus Parade, the Krewe of Omega Parade, the Zydeco Dance and public presentations by the Krewe of Cosmos and the Krewe of Illusions.
On Sunday, Feb. 19, join in and celebrate the children of the community with Children’s Day activities and the Children’s Parade. Also taking place will be Taste de la Louisiane and the return of the Lighted Boat Parade along the lake behind the Civic Center at 7:30 p.m.
Always a favorite, don’t miss the 2012 Royal Gala on Monday, Feb. 20, as the 2012 royal courts of krewes parade for the public in full regalia at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Set your alarm clocks on Feb. 21, as Fat Tuesday starts off early with the Krewe de Charlie Sioux Block Party. Come early to reserve your spot for the grand finale of Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras, the Krewe of Krewes Parade at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Lake Charles.
And, if you’re not exhausted from all the celebrating, stop by the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu where the good times roll year-round at the museum featuring more than 250 complete costumes—making it the largest Mardi Gras costume display in the world!
The Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras has been chosen as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society for the first quarter of 2012. This award is a coveted honor among 12 member states.Visit www.swlamardigras.com for more details on Mardi Gras 2012 in Southwest Louisiana.
MARDI GRAS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The excitement kicks off on Jan. 6 with the annual Twelfth Night Celebration, as the royal courts from 2011 usher in the new year in style with their extraordinary and intricate costumes. After Twelfth Night, Laissez les bons temps rouler, as the celebration and festivities pack the calendar until Fat Tuesday on Feb. 21.
Don’t miss the Mardi Gras Queen’s Pageant on Saturday, Jan. 14, where the 2012 Miss Mardi Gras will be selected. And put on your dancin’ shoes for the free Mardi Gras Community Dance for special needs citizens on Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Every day is a reason to celebrate during Mardi Gras, and as Mardi Gras weekend approaches, the celebration kicks in to full gear with parades, cook-offs, balls, galas and more! Start out with the Merchant’s Parade on Friday, Feb. 17, and get ready for some fun on Saturday, Feb. 18 with the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-Off, the mystical Krewe of Barkus Parade, the Krewe of Omega Parade, the Zydeco Dance and public presentations by the Krewe of Cosmos and the Krewe of Illusions.
On Sunday, Feb. 19, join in and celebrate the children of the community with Children’s Day activities and the Children’s Parade. Also taking place will be Taste de la Louisiane and the return of the Lighted Boat Parade along the lake behind the Civic Center at 7:30 p.m.
Always a favorite, don’t miss the 2012 Royal Gala on Monday, Feb. 20, as the 2012 royal courts of krewes parade for the public in full regalia at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Set your alarm clocks on Feb. 21, as Fat Tuesday starts off early with the Krewe de Charlie Sioux Block Party. Come early to reserve your spot for the grand finale of Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras, the Krewe of Krewes Parade at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Lake Charles.
And, if you’re not exhausted from all the celebrating, stop by the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu where the good times roll year-round at the museum featuring more than 250 complete costumes—making it the largest Mardi Gras costume display in the world!
The Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras has been chosen as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society for the first quarter of 2012. This award is a coveted honor among 12 member states.Visit www.swlamardigras.com for more details on Mardi Gras 2012 in Southwest Louisiana.
MARDI GRAS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
January 6
Twelfth Night, 7 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
January 14
January 14
Queens’ Pageant, Lake Charles Civic Center
January 26
January 26
Community Dance, 6:30–8 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
February 11
February 11
Vinton Mardi Gras Parade & Festivities, 2 p.m., Downtown Vinton
February 13
February 13
Krewe of the Golden Years, 9 a.m. –2 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
February17
February17
Merchants’ Parade, 7 p.m., Downtown–Midtown Lake Charles
February 18
February 18
Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride, 8:30 a.m., West Cal Arena/Sulphur
World Famous Cajun Extravaganza/Gumbo Cook-Off, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
Krewe of Omega Parade, 2 p.m., Downtown Lake Charles
Zydeco Dance, 3 – 5 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
Krewe of Barkus Parade, 3 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
Krewe of Cosmos Presentation, 6:30 p.m., Sulphur High School
Krewe of Illusions, 7:30 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
February 19
Taste de la Louisiane, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
Children’s Day, Noon–3 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
Children’s Parade, 3 p.m., Downtown Lake Charles
Lighted Boat Parade, 7:30 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
February 20
Royal Gala, 7 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center
February 21
Krewe of Charlie Sioux Parade Block Party, Noon, Corner of Broad & Ryan
Hot Rods, Classics and Motorcycles Parade, 1 p.m., Downtown Lake Charles
Krewe of Krewes’ Parade, 5:30 p.m., Downtown–Midtown Lake Charles
Monday, October 17, 2011
With the holidays right around the corner it’s time to start thinking about everyone’s Christmas wish list. These holiday shopping markets can help you find something special for everyone—even that holiday Grinch!
Kiwanis Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
November 4-6
Don’t wait for the day after Thanksgiving to start your Christmas shopping, get a head-start at the 40th Annual Kiwanis Christmas Arts & Crafts Show. Featuring arts and crafts from expert artisans, this is one of the largest arts and handicraft fairs in Southwest Louisiana. Check out the sneak preview, gumbo and silent auction on Friday from 6–9 p.m. Weekend hours are Saturday from 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The event takes place at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive. For more information, call (337) 532-3839. For the latest updates, visit www.visitlakecharles.org/jacksonsquare.
Don’t wait for the day after Thanksgiving to start your Christmas shopping, get a head-start at the 40th Annual Kiwanis Christmas Arts & Crafts Show. Featuring arts and crafts from expert artisans, this is one of the largest arts and handicraft fairs in Southwest Louisiana. Check out the sneak preview, gumbo and silent auction on Friday from 6–9 p.m. Weekend hours are Saturday from 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The event takes place at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive. For more information, call (337) 532-3839. For the latest updates, visit www.visitlakecharles.org/jacksonsquare.
Mistletoe and Moss Holiday Market
November 16–19
Just in time for the holiday season, mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Mistletoe and Moss Holiday Market. A holiday tradition in the Lake Area, this year’s market will feature over 80 merchants from around the country, showcasing apparel, gifts, and accessories for women, men, and children; specialty foods; and seasonal, as well as year-round, decorative items and home furnishings.
November 16–19
Just in time for the holiday season, mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Mistletoe and Moss Holiday Market. A holiday tradition in the Lake Area, this year’s market will feature over 80 merchants from around the country, showcasing apparel, gifts, and accessories for women, men, and children; specialty foods; and seasonal, as well as year-round, decorative items and home furnishings.
But it’s not just the unique shopping that brings people back year after year. The Market also features great food from local eateries and festive holiday entertainment from local schools and groups that will be sure to get you into the holiday spirit!
Get a jump start on holiday shopping at the Preview Party Gala featuring cuisine from the finest area restaurants plus cocktails, auction items and live entertainment on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 7–10 p.m. Or hit the aisle before the crowds on Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Preferred Shoppers Breakfast from 9-11 a.m. A delicious breakfast buffet will be served by L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resort.
Don’t miss the perfect girls’ night out at Mistletoe & Moss' Ladies Night 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 18 featuring a wine tasting and delicious appetizers by local caterers.
Set your alarm clocks and bring the kids for Donuts with Santa on Saturday, Nov. 19, with three seatings at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and Cookies with Santa at 2 p.m. Your kids will be the first in town to get to tell Santa what’s on their wish list and even get their picture taken with Santa in his sleigh!
Raffle tickets will be sold for $5 this year at the market entry. Enter for three chances to win fabulous prizes! First prize is a three-night trip for two at Lake Austin Spa Resort. Second prize is an Apple iPad donated by Capital One Bank and third prize is a ladies' fragrance basket donated by Dillards.
Make sure to catch the holiday spirit with the sights and sounds of the holidays at this year’s Mistletoe and Moss Holiday Market! General Marketplace hours are Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.¬–9 p.m.; and Saturday 9a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is $8 per person, and children eight and younger get in free. On Thursday, Nov. 18, there will be no stroller fee. For more information on event availability or admission contact the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. office at (337) 436-4025 or visit www.jllc.net.
Sulphur’s Holiday House & Christmas Under the Oaks
December 2–4
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, then head on over to Sulphur’s Christmas Under the Oaks Festival where it snows every year! Located at the Brimstone Museum complex, 923 Ruth Street, Heritage Square is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, holly wreaths and yes, even snow!
Get an early start on Christmas Shopping at The Holiday House open Dec. 2–4 from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. featuring more than 25 different shops with Christmas decorations, ornaments and more that will make it easy to deck your halls! The Brimstone Historical Society will also be unveiling its eighth ornament in the Sulphur Ornament Series. It will be available for purchase at the Henning Cultural Center desk for $15. Ornaments from previous years are available as well, though on a limited basis.
With great food, music, parades, shopping and Santa Claus, it’s easy to see why the Christmas Under the Oaks is a holiday favorite! For more information on Sulphur’s Christmas events, contact the Henning Cultural Center at 337-527-0357. For details on Christmas events in Southwest Louisiana, log onto www.visitlakecharles.org/cajunchristmas or contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-456-7952.
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