Parks and Paths: Mardis Gras in Galveston

In the two weeks prior to the beginning of lent, with over 2 dozen parades, concerts including Gin Blossoms, Eli Young Band and Duelo, balcony parties, a 5K run, and more, Galveston is a great place to celebrate Mardis Gras. Concerts and many of the parades are contained to the gated entertainment district (admission fee, plus more for a balcony party viewing area). Several parades begin on the seawall or 25th street as they head towards the entertainment district. Oh, and the beads and trinkets! You don't need all of those to take home? The humane center accepts those you wish to recycle. In the New Orleans area many parades had a recycle float at the end of each parade for unwanted beads. With up to 350,000 visitors over the two weeks accommodations can be hard to find.

On Saturday evening we headed to the Seawall area to view what they billed a "super parade," by the Krewe of Gambrinas, a not-for-profit group that supports tourism and underprivileged children. It began on the Seawall around 57th and turned at 25th, ending in the entertainment district. It started at 6 and we were a little over half way down on the route. The parade didn't reach us until 7:30! There were at least 14 floats and as many bands. In case you wondered, at this parade alone over 600,000 beads plus trinkets were thrown! Pat and I had nearly 40 beads, a frisbee, a lighted ring and a foam football.