Youthful ‘Journey Through the Amazon’ to roll in Biloxi

The Biloxi Children’s Mardi Gras Walking Parade will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. The theme of the 2004 parade is Journey through the Amazon.

This is the seventh annual parade for Biloxi’s Children according to Emily Burke, Events Coordinator for the City of Biloxi, who said, “The success of this event has been overwhelming. Parents and Children look forward to this parade each year. It is amazing the creativity and imagination these children display in their costumes and decoration of their wagon, bicycle, etc.”

We expect over 1000 children and adults to participate in this year’s parade.

Participation is open to all children 12 years old and under (children under the age of 9 years old must have an adult walking with them in the parade). Children may walk, ride bicycles, wagons, skateboards, scooters or roller-skate/roller blade.

Everyone is encouraged to wear a mask and/or a costume. Strollers, bicycles and wagons can also be decorated as floats.

Cash prizes will be awarded at the costume and float contest immediately following the parade on the Town Green. Also, the Biloxi elementary school that has the most students participating in the parade will be recognized.

All children will be given throws to use during the parade (quantity will be limited). The parade will begin at Howard Ave. by the I110 overpass. It will proceed through the Vieux Marchè Mall, turn south on Lameuse St. and conclude at the Town Green

Applications for participation in the parade are available at The City of Biloxi web site, www.biloxi.ms.us, The Biloxi Visitors Center, the Hiller Park Recreation Office and through Biloxi public and parochial schools. For more information, call the City of Biloxi Events Office at (228) 435-6370.

Special thanks to parade sponsors: City of Biloxi, Mardi Gras Museum, Gulf Coast Carnival Association, Beau Rivage Casino and Main Street. Biloxi.