It’s time again for Mardi Gras in Noxapater. Winston Countians and visitors are encouraged to adorn themselves with the traditional celebratory purple, green, and gold and gather in Noxapater on Saturday, February 22.
This is the fourth year for The Biggest Small Town Mardi Gras Festival and Parade, which was launched in 2021 after the pandemic. The annual event, hosted and organized by the Noxapater Community Chamber Alliance, anticipates another large crowd this year.
“We hope everyone will make plans to experience another fun, family-friendly Mardi Gras with us in Noxapater,” said Chasity Wells, director of the Noxapater Community Chamber Alliance. “Our first year some 2,000 persons attended, and our crowd swelled to some 4,000 persons last year, furthering our goal of offering the Biggest Small Town Mardi Gras Festival and Parade.”
An honorary Mardi Gras King or Queen annually serves as grand marshal of the parade. And this year, Chloe Grace Weeks, a Winston County native and Mississippi’s 75th Miss Hospitality, will hold that distinction.
The February 22 festival runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. with live music by Take 12, Magnolia Misfits, and John Carter Ballard filling the air and food trucks on site for the duration. The festival portion of the day runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The Triggertown Masquerade Madness 5K (with proceeds benefiting the Noxapater Attendance Center volleyball and softball teams) begins at 10 a.m., and runners are encouraged to dress in Mardi Gras colors or attire. A kid’s zone opens at 11 a.m. with $5 wristbands for interactive play, jumpers, and face painting. And train rides are available for children and adults.
There is no entry fee for the 3 p.m. parade; however, there is a 2 p.m. deadline for line up of floats and vehicles. Last year, there were some 40 entries for the parade.
The Biggest Small Town Mardi Gras Festival and Parade T-shirts are on sale for $20 by pre-order only with a noon Wednesday, February 5 deadline. Orders may be submitted to the Noxapater Attendance Center Office or 4 Way Noxapater Hardware (Brittany). Checks should be payable to Noxapater Community Chamber Alliance or payment to Venmo@noxcca.
“Noxapater is a happening place, and our Alliance is very active all year long,” Wells said. “As a non-profit, proceeds from our events are invested back into our community for promotion of businesses, special projects, or beautification.”
For questions about the Mardi Gras event or to obtain a vendor application, contact Wells at (662) 803-3413. Parade entry forms may be texted to (662) 705-3167.
