A festive day and evening will adorn Auburn this Saturday when Auburn Tourism presents its first Auburn Mardi Gras Celebration.
Bowling Green has held the event the last few years but decided not to do so this year. Auburn is taking it over, explains Councilwoman/Auburn Tourism Chair Rhonda Sullivan.
Several businesses, groups and individuals who normally would be providing a float or other attraction in the parade are expected to participate in the Auburn parade. The Bowling Green law firm of Flora Templeton Stuart is the overall sponsor.
Everything is free except food. Those going will have lots of food choices from Auburn restaurants and 10 food trucks. Those trucks will be open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Those attending are encouraged to wear ornate and colorful attire to the even, New Orleans Style. Livvy Mae Boutique, which is located at 150 Sugar Maple Drive just off U.S. 68-80, will provide the materials and hints to make your own masks at their shop. “Livvy Mae is providing complimentary masks, while supplies last, to help you get ready for the parade! We’ll have our mask-making station set up this Friday and Saturday, so swing by to grab yours!” staff say.
Auburn’s Hot Rod Cruise-in will be held from 1-3:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the football field of the Auburn Park, entering from Amanda Gordon Drive. A trophy will be awarded for the People’s Choice Award. Chad Blackford will be the host.
A carnival will be held from 3 p.m. until after the parade. Free rides for children will be provided by UFoulks Entertainment. It will be in the Williams Flooring parking lot at 315 West Main.
Lineup for a Kids Parade will begin at 4:15 at the Auburn Fire Department. Holly Tree Preschool and Child Care, which is headed by Auburn native Christi Farmer, is the sponsor.
A pet parade—officially known as the Krewe of Barkus—will be held in the late afternoon. Lineup will start at 4:50 behind the Munchin March located on Main Street at the fire department. It will begin shortly afterwards. Owners are encouraged to put their pets in festive costumes. This is presented by Spayed and Aid of Kentucky.
The finishing attraction is Mardi Gras Parade. Parade registration and line up will begin at 4 p.m. on the east side of the park at Amanda Gordon Drive. The Main Street will be the main parade route will take place! This is where you want to be so you don’t miss anything. Main Street starting at Caldwell Street through Wilson Ave and all connecting streets will be shut down from 4:45 until 5:15 pm for the Kids Parade and Krewe of Barkus Puppy Parade.
At 6 p.m. The Mystic Krewe of Black Lick Creek parade will roll, and the streets will shut down again starting at the corner of Main & Amanda Gordon and all connecting streets through Rector Avenue until the end of the parade.
Businesses Roxanne's Pizza and Pub & Three Hearts Tattoo! They both are adding additional activities for Auburn Mardi Gras . Roxanne's is offering prizes for the best costume, float and most accessories and Three Hearts Tattoo is offering free temporary tattoos! Auburn businesses will be decorated.
Other attractions and activities will include a photo booth, face painting and more.