By: Jessica Znidarsic
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — Fayetteville kicked off the beginning of the Mardi Gras season with its annual “Parade of Fools.” This parade featured many floats, live bands, and beads for those in attendance. The parade has been a part of the Fat Tuesday celebration in Fayetteville, marking Mardi Gras. The parade has been a part of the celebration for the past decade, while the Fat Tuesday celebration has taken place in Fayetteville for the past 30 years. The parade took place on Saturday, February 10, and has been dubbed “Fat Saturday Parade of Fools.”
Those in attendance lined the streets of the historic Fayetteville Square, Block Street, and Dickson Street, to see the parade. Those involved could register their “krewe” and have a float or have their group walk in the parade.
Elizabeth Smith, a Fayetteville resident in attendance said she looks forward to the parade every year,
“It shows how community-based Fayetteville really is and I love being a part of that. I think my favorite part of the parade was the roller skating group. That’s definitely who I was looking forward to seeing again after last year.”
Smith referred to the Arkansas Roller Skating Crew, who led the parade, sporting colorful roller skates, and keeping the crowd entertained with tricks, jumps, and spins as they skated down the street.
Local businesses and bands followed, including members of the Little Rock Southwest Band and Color Guard.
There was royalty in the parade as well, the King and Queen of Fayetteville Mardi Gras were Nancy an Steve Ballard.
Director of Media Chaddie Platt said that there were more participants in the parade than ever before.
“I think we have over 30 this year, which is quite a few. I think it’s the largest number we ever had, and we also have more sponsorships than ever, so those two things determine that it’s going to be a great banner year.”
The parade had judges for the floats, and Platt said that they would be on the lookout for the best one in the parade.
“The judges for the parade will be sitting on the balcony at Tin Roof watching the parade, and they will be naming the best float, and we will have the presentation of the check for Tri Cycle Farms.”
Tri Cycle Farms was the charity behind the parade, to which all of the proceeds from the parade will go, and benefit those who are food insecure, by teaching them how to grow their own food as well as having a 2-acre garden with homegrown food.
In addition to the parade, other local businesses in Fayetteville are having Fat Tuesday celebrations.
Maxine’s Tap Room on Block Street is hosting an event on Tuesday, February 13, with a DJ bringing the sound of New Orleans to those in attendance, po’boys, and specialty drinks being served. Rick’s Bakery is also selling king cakes and Cafe Rue Orleans will have a specialty menu for the Mardi Gras season.