Join in on the fun as Mardi Gras comes to the emerald coast for the annual Mardi Gras on the Island. This year's Mardi Gras festivities will take place on January 30-31 in Fort Walton Beach.

On the 30th, there will be a Mardi Gras Ball at the Emerald Coast Conference Center. The ball will feature the Cajun sounds of Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band. Guests will be dressed in Mardi Gras costume or black tie formal wear. The event will last from 8:00pm-Midnight, and tickets for the event are $50 per person.

On the 31st, there will be activities going on throughout the day, including the Mardi Gras on the Island Parade. The parade starts at 10am, and will travel down Okaloosa Island on Santa Rosa Boulevard, starting on Tarpon Drive and ending at the festival's site at the Radisson Beach Resort. Other festivities will include arts & crafts, children activities, local entertainers, and food & drink.

As they say in New Orleans, "Laissez les bon temps rouler!"

To learn more about Mardi Gras on the Island, click here.

I've been to this. It's a blast, particularly the Costume Ball. The party really gets started about 10pm. And don't expect any flashing at the parade - it's family friendly.