Carnival season rolls into Welsh this Saturday with the first of a two-weekend lineup of Mardi Gras revelry.

The celebration kicks off at 10 a.m., Jan. 20, weather permitting, with a traditional Mardi Gras run for children sponsored by the Welsh Mardi Gras Association. Festivities continue next Saturday, Jan. 27 with chicken runs, a parade, street dance, live music, craft and food vendors and more.

Welsh Mardi Gras Association member Chelsea Duplechin said the family friendly event offers something for all children from chasing chicken to throwing beads and traditional Mardi Gras costumes.

“It is our goal to carry on these traditions so that the younger generations will still know what Mardi Gras is all about,” Duplechin. “It’s more than just a party. For us it’s a tradition we don’t want to ever die.”

The children’s run is open to all kids. Cost to enter is $5 per child. Children must be accompanied by a guardian age 17 or older.

Full Mardi Gras attire is encouraged, but not required , Duplechin said. Awards will be presented to the best dressed.

Registration for the children’s run begins at 9 a.m. under the pavilion at Sportsman’s Park on West Grove Street. The children will leave the park at 10 a.m. aboard floats where they will make their way along the countryside throwing beads and chasing chickens.

Several stops are scheduled along the route for the children to get off the floats and chase chicken or beg for gumbo ingredients and coins, Duplechin said. A stop will also be made at Mr Clint’s candy store.

A lunch stop is scheduled for noon with the meal provided by Parish Seafood.

The group will return to Sportsman’s Park at 2 p.m.

The Mardi Gras revelry continues the following weekend with the 5th annual Welsh Mardi Gras Run and Parade scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 27.

“We want everyone to come out and enjoy the fun,” Duplechin said. “We always have a good ole time.”

Floats will line up at 8 a.m. on East Frontage Road with horse riders and wagons lining up at Sportsman’s Park.

The floats will start the route at 8:30 a.m. and meet up with the horse riders and wagons at Sportsman’s Park to lead the run.

Four stops are scheduled on the run. The first stop will be on Frey Road, the second stop will be on Abell Road around 11 a.m. Lunch will be provided and there will be a chicken throw.

The run will continue along LA 1131 to Oilfield Road where the horses will return to town to join the parade. The floats will continue to Cormier Village Road for another stop to chase chickens at 2 p.m.

Floats from the run will begin lining up at 3 p.m. along the Service Road.

Those entering the parade only will line up over the overpass by the old rock pile and join the parade after the large floats have started.

The parade will begin at 3:30 p.m on N. Adams Street near the Valero/Stuckey’s and travel south down Adams Street ending near State Farm Insurance at the intersection of Nichols and S. Adams streets.

The deadline to pre-register for the parade is Thursday, Jan. 25

As part of the festivities, a street festival featuring food and craft vendors, live music and dancing will kick off at 10 a.m. downtown.

Admission is $5 per person with children 12 and under free.

Johnny Jimenez will perform from noon-3 p.m. on the stage set up on West South Street, followed by the parade.

The Basile Mardi Gras will demonstrate a traditional Cajun Mardi Gras ritual for festival goers after the parade

They will be followed by T.J. Gautreaux who will entertain from 4-8 p.m.

The fun continues on Monday, Feb. 12 with a Lundi Gras celebration at the Red Cardinal Desserts and Cafe, 320 South Adams Street.

A DJ will start at 6 p.m. Aaron Istre and Under the Influence will perform 7-10 p.m.

For more information contact Duplechin at 337-526-6849; Lauren Bergueax at 337-789-3827; Erin Cormier at 337-329-2702 or Lacey Benoit at 337-368-4549.

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