It’s almost time for Mardi Gras to roll into Vicksburg

Published 5:52 pm Friday, January 17, 2020

Beads, beads and more beads — those coveted shiny trinkets can make folks go crazy during Mardi Gras parades.

As float participants toss the necklaces out to the crowd, parade revelers hold out their hands in hopes of garnering a few.

“This is definitely the best part of the parade,” Vicksburg Main Street Program Director Kim Hopkins said.

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And she should know. For the past 18 years, the Vicksburg Main Street Program has sponsored the city’s annual Mardi Gras parade. This year’s parade is set to roll down Washington Street on Feb. 22 beginning at 4 p.m.

Hopkins said there have been many who have participated in the parade, some of which include Krewe of Bloom, Hearn Trucking, Sheffield Krewe, Hinds High steppers, WES Castle Club, the Corps of Engineers, Krewe DeLaburg, Pete’s V dubs and the Vicksburg Library. 

For those interested in participating in the 19th annual event, the deadline to enter is Jan. 26 at 4 p.m.

All area clubs, churches, organizations, schools, dance and drill teams and businesses are welcome to take part, Hopkins said.

Entry fees are $25 for non-profit groups and $50 for businesses.

The entry fee moves to $50 for non-profit groups and $100 for businesses who want to enter the parade after the Jan. 26 deadline.

Hopkins said trophies are awarded to float units in the categories of best non-profit, best business, most original, most enthusiastic, best in show and best throw. Judging will take place along the parade route and winners will be announced following the parade. 

For each of the parades, a Grand Marshall has been chosen, Hopkins said, to serve as the leader of the event.

Chosen by the Main Street board of directors, this year’s grand marshal has not yet been selected.

Billy Sheffield, Alice Hebler, Linda Fondren, Pat Hemphill, Christi Kilroy and Jay Hopson are among those who have been named the parade’s grand marshal.

“We look at community leaders, volunteers and someone who has had a positive impact on Vicksburg,” she said.

With nearly 3,000 people attending, Hopkins said, her favorite part of the parade is seeing the excitement from the crowd.

“It is so much fun seeing everybody smiling and laughing and having a good time,” she said.

For information on how to enter the parade, call 601-634-4527, visit downtownvicksburg.org or email kimh@vicksburg.org.

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

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