Saturday, Jan. 7 marks the first Twelfth Night celebration of its kind in Southwest Louisiana. The opportunity to bid farewell to last year’s royalty and see their elaborate costumes and for them to don their finery one last time won’t be the only attraction, according to Rebecca Moss, Mardi Gras Southwest.

“Our mission has always been to provide a fun, family-friendly experience,” Moss said. “But after the pandemic, we have decided to do a little something to boost participation and economic impact.”

From noon to 6 p.m., at the Lake Charles Civic Center’s Coliseum, the “12th Night Kick-Off Festival” will feature food trucks, door prizes, fun jumps and live music. The Adam Leger Band, known for its mix of country ballads, rockin’ country songs, zydecajun and classic rock takes the stage at 1:30 p.m. At 4 p.m. Dani LaCour – “Keep Your Aim” and “Red Wine” – goes on at 4 p.m.

Admission is $10. Children five and under are free. A cash bar will sell adult beverages for the 21 and over crowd.

“No one is Mardi Gras ready yet,” said Moss. “We just finished celebrating Christmas and the New Year. Kids have just gone back to school.”

Twelfth Night serves as a sort of dip the toes in the water event before diving into waves of purple, gold and green. Moss expects the festival to grow year after year as she continues to reach out for local entertainment.

Twelfth Night is so named because it is 12 days after Christmas on January 6 and marks the Feast of the Epiphany in the Liturgical calendar.

Mark the calendar for Mardi Gras

Following the new 12th Night Kick-Off Festival will be a totally new event, the Taste of Mardi Gras Cocktail Party to be held Wednesday, Feb. 15. Tickets are $30 and can be ordered by calling (337) 244-1466 or (337) 488-4827.

The Lighted Boat Parade is Feb. 16; Merchant’s Parade, Feb. 17, Mardi Gras Gumbo Cookoff, Children’s Stroll and Krewe of Omega Parade, Feb. 18; Children’s Day Activities, Feb. 19 and the Royal Gala, Feb. 20.

Mardi Gras, Iowa Chicken Run, parade and music, Feb. 21.

For more information on these events, parade routes, additional Mardi Gras activities throughout Southwest Louisiana, and parade entry forms, log onto www.swlamardigras.com.