Whether you are looking for some good music, want to kick up your heels or just want to catch some beads, there’s something for everyone Saturday during the City of Jennings’ 28th annual Mardi Gras Festival and Parade.

The pre-fat Tuesday celebration features a day of family fun and entertainment with music, food, crafts, a parade and more, according to City Event Coordinator Katelynn Little.

“It’s really going to be a good day of good old fashion Louisiana fun.” Little said. “Everybody will be coming together bringing a little bit of this and a little bit of that together. From what I have seen from the plans it looks to be the true epitome of Louisiana’s melting pot and everyone is really excited about it.”

Activities begin at 11 a.m. with more than 20 food and craft vendors in and around Founder’s Park on Main Street.

“The vendors will be selling everything from cups and shirts to candles and everything in between,” Little said.

New this year, the Jennings Festival Association will be selling official Jennings Mardi Gras Festival shirts.

Food booths will include traditional Cajun food like jambayla, as well as cotton candy and funnel cakes.

“There will be plenty to eat and drink,” Little said.

Those attending are welcome to bring their own ice chest and lawn chairs to enjoy the fun.

The fun continues at 2 p.m. when Kegan Navarre and Cajun Strong take the stage. They will perform until 4 p.m.

The Squeezebox Shootout accordion championship has been canceled this year due to renovations at the Strand Theater following recent flood damages. The event is expected to return next year.

The annual Mardi Gras parade rolls through the streets at 4 p.m. The parade begins at Railroad Avenue and runs north on Main Street to Shankland Avenue. The line-up will begin at 3 p.m. on U.S. 90.

“Right now we have 30 or 40 floats with more signing up every day so it’s gonna be quite a large Mardi Gras parade from what I am seeing so far,” Little said. “We are going big, or going home on the parade and everyone is welcome.”

The parade traditionally draws more than 60 entries, including dozens of Mardi Gras krewes, oversized floats, horses, wagons and motorcycles with plenty of throws for the eager parade crowds.

There is no entry fee to be part of the parade, but all entries must complete an application.

“I am really, really looking forward to seeing the atmosphere of downtown Jennings lit up and filled up with all the different people socializing together,” Little said. “I think it is going to be a really good day of family fun.”

Admission to all events is free.

For more information, call 337-821-5500 Ext. 900 or email tuppermuseum@cityofjennings.com.