Mardi Gras on Walnut: Let the good times roll!

By Kathy Edwards McFarland

Friday, Feb. 28, marks the first-ever Mardi Gras on Walnut, in Denton, Texas. The fun and colorful event will close the block to vehicles (for the dayto better celebrate New Orleans-style music, food and customs for everyone – and to let the good times roll! Mardi Gras on Walnut, the ultimate block party, is sponsored by downtown businesses and individuals sharing this block of Historic Downtown Denton – and beyond.

Scott Campbell, Dentoning blogger, describes the event and back story very well in his post: http://dentoning.com/2014/02/dentoning-we-do-walnut-dry-run/.

… As covered in previous Dentoning blogs, the plan is to close Walnut Street to vehicular traffic, clean the “alley” and then create an urban park – with trees, grass, shrubberies, benches, other seating areas. … Much work has already been done, including discussions with the City of Denton. One thing the City requested was having an event or three to provide an example of how the idea would work. So, on Friday, February 28, Walnut Street will be closed and the first Mardi Gras on Walnut will happen starting at 5:00 pm.

This event is FREE, however, volunteers will check IDs at each gate and give wristbands to all drinking-age adults – there will be beer and wine available from vendors.

Example of wagon float.

Family-friendly activities, including face painting, mask-making, story telling, and featuring strolling musicians of the University of North Texas Mariachi Aguilitas, begin at 5 p.m.

South Rampart Street Parade –

• Live Dixieland music starts up on the outdoor main stage at 7 p.m., in the center of Walnut Street, with Ron & the Rowdies, followed by Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton (Gypsy Jazz), and Woody’s Rampage (Zydeco), keeping this downtown block dancing until 11 p.m.
• Inside Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, Dixie Jazz will fire up at 6:30 p.m., with Strictly Dixie, Vintage Jazz Society and the Fat Tuesday Dixieland Jam.
• 

  New Orleans Mardi Gras costume

  Inside Abbey Underground, the Boxcar Bandits take the stage at 10 p.m.

More than a dozen booths will offer Community Market of Denton shopping, face painting, mask-making, Cajun-style food, such as a Crawfish Boil, Étouffée, Louisiana Meat Pies, Beignets, Mardi Gras-inspired ice cream sundaes (think King Cake, Bourbon Street and Wobbly Monkey flavors,) and libations which can be freely carried within the festival area will be available. Jugglers from the local group Juggling & Flow Art, dancers and other “Second Line” street performers add flair to the celebration. In cooperation with this event, select downtown businesses will extend their hours.

Don’t forget your Mardi Gras survival kit – mask, costume, appetite for Cajun cuisine and libation, room around your neck for lots o’beads, an umbrella for spontaneous Second Line Parades, and your dancin’ shoes.

Also scheduled will be Mardi Gras contests (Masks, Costumes and mini-wagon Floats) for adults and children.

• Specifications for the wagon floats are: pullable wagons, no longer than 6 feet, decorated in New Orleans style

Mardi Gras on Walnut proceeds benefit the Music Theatre of Denton, a volunteer, 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.