Mardi Gras is just a couple of weeks away and preparations are now underway all over Acadiana. Opelousas is getting ready for a new Mardi Gras event.

Organizers said the event is set to begin and end at the historic Yambilee grounds and is already making waves throughout the city.

“My phone blows up all hours of the night and all during the day. I’ve had like 60 to 70 people call me already inquiring,” said Eva Noel, Co-Organizer.

The “First Time Ever Opelousas Mardi Gras Parade and Chicken Run” has been months in the planning.

The parade is open to horses and ATV’s in addition to the traditional Mardi Gras floats.

Noel said she’s expecting hundreds to show up for the three day event.

“They’re excited about it. It’s a new opportunity. It’s something that we need. It’s overdue. We don’t get enough activity here,” said Noel.

Marvin Richard, Opelousas Alderman and I-49 Riders President, is happy about the Mardi Gras festivities.

Richard said he’s looking forward to participating in the fun.

“There’s a lot people and a lot of trailride organizations. They’re expecting people to come from all over the place just to see how our first Mardi Gras parade will be. It’s almost like a trailride because horses are going to be a part of it,” said Richard.

Organizer, Dustin Miller, is already getting into the Mardi Gras spirit.

In addition to food and music, he said there will be a number of contests.

“We’re actually going to give a cash prize to the best decorated trailer, the best decorated costume person, we’re going to have a chicken chase so whoever catches the chicken is going to get a cash prize. We’re trying to give a little incentive for everyone to participate,” said Miller.

Miller said this is a Mardi Gras tradition that was long overdue for the city of Opelousas.

The parade kicks off Sunday, Febuary 15^th at 1:00 p.m.

If anyone is interested in participating in the parade contact Eva Noel at 337-945-2266.