‘Cajun Meets Cowboy’ At Lake Charles Mardi Gras Celebrations

February 3rd, 2016

Kevin Benefield recommends Lake Charles for those looking for a more family-friendly version of Mardi Gras.

Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

Mardi Gras is just around the corner and many are planning to visit New Orleans for their celebration destination. For those who want to travel a bit further this year – to the western side of Louisiana for example – “City Lights” travel commentator and Southbound Magazine editor Kevin Benefield suggests Lake Charles, “where Cajun meets cowboy.”

While visiting, revelers will be able to watch numerous parades throughout the weekend, graze at a gumbo cook-off and take part in a community-wide zydeco dance. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the Lake Charles celebration also includes Children’s Day on Sunday with educational activities and, you guessed it, another parade.

Fat Tuesday kicks off with a Cajun Chicken Run, another parade with more zydeco dancing and the release of chickens for children to catch. For the finale, one more parade – this time the Krewe of Krewes’ parade with more than 100 floats.

Benefield also suggests a visit to the Mardi Gras museum to take in the region’s history of celebrating Mardi Gras.

A full list of events can be found at City of Lake Charles’ website.