A Mardi Gras king throws out beads from a float during the annual Barefoot Mardi Gras parade on Padre Island in Corpus Christi. Courtesy photo
The best Cajun party of the year begins with the Barefoot Mardi Gras beach parade and ends with the Kings and Queens Ball, all on Padre Island in Corpus Christi on Saturday, Feb. 10.
The parade begins at 11 a.m. and travels the beach between Whitecap Boulevard and Bob Hall Pier at Access Road 5 off Park Road 22. Sixty-plus floats are expected, all decorated in traditional Mardi Gras fashion and complete with the tossing of necklaces and candy to the audience.
The festival at the Briscoe King Pavilion in Balli Park kicks off as the parade gets underway. It features food trucks, artists, live music, exhibitors and children’s activities. Additions for this year include the Kidz Fun Zone and a Mardi Gras costume contest.
The Veranda Restaurant at Schlitterbahn hosts the annual Kings and Queens Ball this year with a new Cajun menu and a shrimp boil by the Rollin’ Tide Boil Co. The adult-only fun begins at 7 p.m. and ends at midnight. Dance music provided by Splendiferous, which is famous for its Caribbean funk and New Orleans-style blues.
Enjoy face painting and fortune-telling along with the crowning of the new Barefoot Mardi Gras king and queen.
Tickets are $30 before Feb. 5 and $40 after. They can be purchased at Schlitterbahn Resort Corpus Christi or online at barefootmardigras.com.
Proceeds from events benefit the Island Foundation Schools and the Port Aransas Independent School District. Barefoot Mardi Gras is presented by Lone Star Beer and Coastline Properties and always held the Saturday before Fat Tuesday.
