City of Perry bringing Mardi Gras to downtown with Bourbon Street Bash

PERRY — The City of Perry will once again be bringing the celebration of Mardi Gras with their second annual Bourbon Street Bash happening on Friday, Feb. 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Downtown Perry. 

This family friendly event will kick off the celebration of Mardi Gras with the NOLA band from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

According to Special Events coordinator Autumn Cameron, the event will feature a New Orleans tradition called the Second Line Parade, which will go around the square of City Hall. 

There will also be the age-old tradition of bead tosses along with free giveaways throughout the event. 

“We’re also going to do a ‘crew competition’, so if people come dressed in costumes or Mardi Gras attire, they can enter to win prizes that will be given out around 8:30 p.m.,” she said. 

Cameron said last year’s first ever Bourbon Street bash was a success and was well received. She said people really loved participating in the Second Line Parade. 

The Bourbon Street Bash was originally hosted by Orleans on Carroll. They then asked if the city would like to continue this year. Cameron said the city decided to sponsor the event every year. 

“It was always kinda teetering on being well-received, but with the city’s resources we’re able to kind of expand the event and make it better,” she said. “It’s something that we like to do to bring the community together at the beginning of the year.” 

This year will feature even more activities. Cameron said Princess Tiana from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog will be there to meet and take pictures. Trailer Flash Photo Booth will also be offering to take pictures free of charge. Other activities for the kids include face-painting and free balloon animals. 

Cameron shared the whole reason for Mardi Gras is celebrating as a community, and the Bourbon Street Bash is just that. 

For those looking to have a little too much fun at the event, the Perry Police Department will be offering their courtesy shuttle for those living within the city limits. 

“[The Bourbon Street Bash] kinda ties into everything that the City of Perry tries to do with their events by bringing the community and surrounding communities together,” she said. “It’s free admission and there’s activities for the kids to do, but it gives everyone an opportunity to do something together.” 

The Bourbon Street Bash will be on Friday, Feb.13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in historic downtown Perry. To find out more, visit: https://www.perry-ga.gov/bourbon-street-bash.