Mardi Gras in Fort Walton Beach

A little bit of New Orleans is coming to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, at its very own �Mardi Gras 2011� celebration on Saturday, February 12. Because it�s Valentine�s weekend, the theme this year will be �Love on the Island.� Sponsored by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and its annual sponsors, �Mardi Gras on the Island� is a full day of activities, starting with the Mardi Gras Parade on Okaloosa Island at 11am.

There will be beads, treats, and even more beads as the colorful floats make their way down Santa Rosa Blvd. Stick around after the parade and enjoy a festive Block Party sponsored by Helen Back on Amberjack Drive. There will be games for the kids, vendors with exotic items, and food galore.  It�s a family-friendly way to make a day of it!

Later that evening, the Chamber will host the Mardi Gras Ball at the Emerald Coast Conference Center from 8 pm to Midnight.  Come in costume or come in your favorite gown - this is the time to bring out your Mardi Gras finery, enjoy the sounds of the �Swingin� Dick Tracys,� and sample food items provided by Chamber-member restaurants.  

�Mardi Gras 2011 � Love on the Island� is sponsored by the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, A to Z Security and Sound, the City of Fort Walton Beach, Cox, Cumulus Broadcasting, Emerald Coast Tourism Development Council, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Golden Corral-Fort Walton Beach, Helen Back, Image Printing and Digital Services, Northwest Florida Daily News, Qantum, ResortQuest, and White-Wilson Medical Center. 

For more information about top events in Florida take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Florida. 

For more information visit www.fwbchamber.com/mardigras.