Festival De Mardi Gras is not only a way of life for people living in and loving South Louisiana culture. It’s a means for a living for hundreds who make carnival season and state fairs their life’s work.
Blake Huston, Lot Manager for North American Midway, has spent ten years working the set up for the festival.
“I’m a third generation. I grew up doing this.”
The Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association has partnered with the company for 15 years. Randall Mann, Festival Chairperson and Association Treasurer, said the company is efficient and treats festival-goers with immense respect. The association recently signed another five year contract with Midway.
The festival is the biggest fundraiser for the Lafayette Mardi Gras and the first event of the year for Midway. Over 100 employees join Huston to prepare the five day event.
“It takes about a week to truck all the equipment here. We got about 60 truckloads bringing all the equipment from Jackson, Mississippi, Indiana, Tampa, Florida,” said Huston.
It’ll take almost another week to set up the rides, bandstand and games.
Huston patrols the fairgrounds in a bright blue “Think Safety” shirt, ensuring every piece of equipment runs with top notch efficiency.
He explained, “These guys are putting their hands on every part of the ride. They set them up, tear them down. They’ve got daily inspections for every ride that are ride specific. We’ve got a third party inspector here all week. The state of Louisiana comes in, the Fire Marshall’s they do their inspections.”
It’s become a basic routine. After all, Huston and his crew will set up more than 120 other events in 2015 in different parts of the country. It’s second-nature and will only take the crew one day to dis-assemble 22 rides before heading to their next gig.22nd Annual Festival De Mardi Gras Details
When– Friday, February 13th (opens at 5pm) – Tuesday, February 17th (closes at 8pm)
Where– Cajun Field
Entertainment– Friday, DJ/MC Rex, Geno Deno DeLafose, The Molly Ringwalds
Saturday, Mike & the Rockets, Lil’ Nate, River Gibson, Atlanta Rhythm Section
Sunday, Blaine Roy, Corey Ledet, Todd O’Neill Band, Arrested Rhymery, The Chee Weez
Monday, Louisiana Kids, Lafayette Bayou Boys, Cupid, Wayne Toups
Tuesday, Leon Chavis, Joel Martin, Gregg Martinez
Wristbands- 23 dollars online, 28 dollars at gate.
Parades– Friday, Kick-off Parade, 6:30pm
Saturday, Children’s Parade, 12:30 pm
Krewe of Bonaparte Parade, 6:00pm
Monday, Queen Evangeline’s Parade, 6:30pm
Tuesday, King Gabriel’s Parade, 10:00am
Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade, 1:00pm
KADN Fox 15 Independent Parade, 2:30pmMore information– gomardigras.com
