Let's Roll

The Jennings Festival Association has scheduled this year’s celebration to take place on Saturday, Feb. 22. Beginning at 11 a.m., food, craft and informational vendors will be set up in and around Founders Park. The Squeezebox Shootout Accordion competition at the Strand Theater will also begin at that time. Kegan Navarre and Friends will perform on stage at the park, beginning at 2 p.m., to entertain the crowds as they wait to catch candy, beads and other trinkets from this year’s Mardi Gras parade.

There is still time to register for the parade and run. Registration forms and regulations can be obtained by contacting the Jennings Festival Association. The parade is set to roll at 4 p.m., beginning near Railroad Avenue between North Cutting and N. Main Street .

“There is no cost to participate but an application must be completed for every parade entry,” said city event organizer Lin Fake. “Participants must register separately for the parade and the run. Both are considered separate events.”

Upon signing up for the parade, entries will be issued a color coded entry number that must be displayed on the right hand side of the windshield, Fake said.

“No floats will be allowed on Main Street, Academy Avenue, Broadway or Nezpique streets between the hours of 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. while the Squeezebox competition is taking place,” he adds. “Officers will be posted.”

Parade line up will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the corner of N. Main St. and Shankland Avenue.

“You must be in line for the parade by 3:45 p.m. and there is no specific lineup order,” said Fake. “Volunteers will be on hand to direct drivers. Everyone must remain in line as they were from the starting point for the duration of the parade.” He said no one is allowed

He said no one is allowed to get on or off an entry once the parade is moving and each float must have a designated driver who will refrain from consuming alcohol during the event.

Drivers must keep a two car length distance between entries and proof of liability insurance must be provided if parading a motorized vehicle. Each vehicle must have properly functioning tail lights.

Horseback riders must register prior to the event as well.

“Horse units will be placed at the end of the parade only,” Fake said. “Animals are to be attended at all times. Only single riders will be allowed. Doubling on horseback will be prohibited.”

This year’s parade will roll from south to north. Line up will be on Railroad Avenue and end at James Ward Elementary School.

“Floats that are heading to the Friends Supporting Friends Event Center to enjoy the festivities after the parade will have a police escort,” Fake said.

For more information, contact a member of the Jennings Festival Association at (337) 821-5532.