More than 60 floats, including nearly a dozen bands, have been lined up for the Krewe of Neptune parade, which makes its way through downtown Biloxi on Saturday, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
“We’re ready to kick off a great four days of Carnival fun,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said, referring to a weekend of parades that will culminate with a huge Gulf Coast Carnival Association parade on Mardi Gras Day, beginning at 1 p.m.
“Biloxi has gained a reputation as being Mardi Gras Central on Fat Tuesday, and we’re elated that the Krewe of Neptune has brought back a nighttime parade to highlight Mardi Gras weekend. We want everyone to come out and have a family-style, safe Mardi Gras.”
Paradegoers are reminded to arrive early, carpool when possible and park only in designated areas. No parking is allowed on U.S. 90 medians, or near the CSX railway.
For the Neptune parade on Saturday, Biloxi Police expect to reduce U.S. 90 south of the downtown area to two lanes beginning at 4 p.m., and streets on the route will close at 5 p.m. On Mardi Gras Day, I-110 south of Division will close at noon, which is also when U.S. 90 will be reduced to two-lane traffic south of the downtown area. The entire parade route will close to civilian traffic at 12:30 p.m.
See Coastwide parade lineups, safety tips and more
News and notes
State of the City: The Biloxi Bay Chamber says the State of the City luncheon is heading for a sell out. Seats for the Feb. 16 affair are $35 per person or a reserved table of 10 for $350. For reservations, contact the chamber at 228-435-6149 or info@biloxibaychamber.org.
Development report: Clearing of land has begun for a new Biloxi junior high school off Jam Lane. To see read about this and other development news, click here.
Podcasting: The Biloxi City Council has taken steps to adjust water and sewer rates and approved a measure involving the regulation of motor vehicles for hire. Hear background on these issues in the City Desk podcast. To listen, click here.
