The season of Carnival comes to an end Tuesday, but not before Little Rock celebrates the season with a Mardi Gras parade on South Main Street complete with floats, beads and king cake.
The City of Little Rock, SoMa and the SoMa Business Alliance present the SoMa Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday at noon. The parade begins at Main and 24th streets and ends at Main and 12th streets, and spectators are encouraged to line the route with folding chairs and blankets to enjoy the event. The parade takes place rain or shine.
Anyone is welcome to participate in the parade. There is no fee for doing so, but those who wish to participate should contact Hillis Schild at (501) 412-3768 prior to the parade. Participants need to be lined up by 11:15 a.m. at the corner of Scott and 24th streets. A cash prize will be awarded for the Best Authentic Mardi Gras Float.
The Little Rock Tweed Ride joins in the festivities by starting its annual ride with the parade. Oxford American and South on Main will have booths outside their respective storefronts, with South on Main selling andouille sausage sandwiches and king cake during the parade, as well as a special tweed-inspired cocktail after the parade at 1 p.m. In case you need more southern Louisiana fare to properly celebrate, Boulevard Bread Co. plans to serve gumbo, muffulettas and king cake, and Community Bakery offers complimentary king cake throughout the day.
The Root’s second annual Beard-Growing Contest also begins at noon, and judges (including our very own Arshia Khan) will decide winners in categories such as “Best ’Burns and ’Stache Combo” and “Best Aging Hipster Beard.”
As a prelude to the celebration, Solfood Catering and The Green Corner Store team up for a Carnival-inspired vegan dinner featuring gumbo, Hoppin’ John, jambalaya and po’boys on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Dishes are a la carte and range from $5-$8.
Find more information on SoMa’s Mardi Gras celebrations on Facebook.