Residents encouraged to create floats, nominate Mardi Gras king for March 5th parade downtown
Staff and residents at Maple Vista are geared up for next week’s Mardi Gras celebration in downtown Imlay City.
IMLAY CITY — There is still time to create your own “wagon” float and be part of the 2019 Mardi Gras Parade in downtown Imlay City on Tuesday, March 5.
The event runs from 6-8 p.m. and sponsors include A Million Dreams Studio, Peaceful Moon Yoga, Stockwell Embroidery, Hiram’s Tavern, A Lil’ of Everything, Margaret Hubbard Home Collection, 123 Escape, Stephanie’s Creations, Imlay City Family Hair Care and Madelyn Andrez Art.
Residents can purchase Mardi Gras themed t-shirts commemorating the inaugural event in Imlay City for just $10. The shirts were designed by Stockwell Embroidery. Call 810-395-8746 to order in advance.
King crowning
An opening ceremony begins at 6:15 p.m. with a “Crowning of the King” ceremony in front of A Million Dreams Studio and Doug Halabicky State Farm Insurance. Organizers are seeking nominations for the king. Nominate your choice by calling Julie Welch, owner of A Million Dreams Studio, at 810-721-7797 or emailing julie@amilliondreamsstudio.com.
The inaugural Mardi Gras Parade sets off at 6:25 p.m. and will feature pulled wagon floats, a Pet Parade, walking Krewes and a bead toss. Parade participants must arrive no later than 5:30 p.m. to be considered for prizes by the parade judges.
Welch encourages everyone to build their own wagon float and join in the parade.
She suggests that materials for your float can consist of plastic table cloths, cardboard boxes, beads, paint, tools and a little bit of ingenuity.
Welch says parade registration is free for all dancers and for walking “Krewes.” She urges Pet Parade participants and those with walking wagon floats to register by Thursday, Feb. 28.
Doug Halibicky’s State Farm Insurance office will be the site to pick up some paczkis, and Hiram’s Tavern will be open for thirsty partiers.
“This is going to be a lot of fun and a great activity for local families,” says Welch, “and a way to celebrate Mardi Gras in our own home town.
“We are so excited for this event and everyone is busy getting costumes and floats created,” she adds. “You can get all your Mardi Gras gear at stores in Imlay City.
“A Lil of Everything has a whole line of cool and affordable gear and the dollar store in town has wigs and beads.
“We also are still looking for a King for the celebration,” she says, “and anyone over the age of 18 can be nominated.”
Mardi Gras itinerary
•Live art painting with Emma Auger from 6-7 p.m.
•New Orleans painting class ($15) with Madi Alexander (limited to 12) from 7-8 p.m.
•Mardi Gras t-shirts for $10 at Stockwell from 6-8. Pre-orders by March 1.
•Kids mask-making, cash bar and mask sketch class with Stephanie Morgan at Hiram’s Tavern.
•Free 10-minute Mardi Gras Meditation with crystal singing bowl by Catherine ‘Cat’ Minolli of Peaceful Moon Yoga at Imlay City Hair Salon from 6-8 p.m. Participants will receive a personal mantra/affirmation to frame the coming months.
•Free face painting at Imlay City Family Hair Care for kids.
•Free glow sticks are available at A Lil’ of Everything and 123 Escape Room offers a 10-minute escape box from 6-8.
For further information about the 2019 Mardi Gras Parade and related activities, call Julie at 810-721-7797; visit A Million Dreams Studio on Facebook, or email to: julie@milliondreamsstudio.com
Million Dreams Studio is located at 235 E. Third St. in downtown Imlay City.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
