Mardi Gras 2002 on the Gulf

Panama City Beach, FL - Mardi Gras celebrations have become a feature of many Gulf Coast communities, but they've really taken hold in Panama City, where there are two main celebrations and a total of four parades!

The Downtown Parade and Festival draws upwards of 30,000 visitors, and has quickly become a can't-miss Mardi Gras celebration.

There are two Mardi Gras celebrations in the Panama City area, the first on January 26, 2002 in Downtown Panama City, followed by the weekend carnival in Historic St. Andrews on February 1 & 2, 2002.

The Downtown Parade and Festival draws upwards of 30,000 visitors, and has quickly become a can't-miss Mardi Gras celebration. Hosted by the Krewe of Massalina, it features a nighttime parade down Harrison Avenue in the heart of Panama City. The Downtown festivities started last year with a waterfront festival at the Marina Civic Center. An incredible view of St. Andrews Bay perfectly framed the site, where 12 hours of continuous live music kept people on their feet and dancing. Thanks to the waterfront site, a Mardi Gras Boat Parade sailed by the Festival on Saturday as well.

You can expect more of the same this year, although all events and sponsors have yet to be announced. Expect to find great food - especially Cajun, naturally - great music, and a visually stunning parade.

The Krewe of Massalina is going all out to make the parade an awesome spectacle of sound, light and motion... marching bands and color guards, riders on horseback and on musical floats, mimes and even Lizard People, the Parade promises excitement and a grand good time.

"Downtown's is an evening parade, which makes for a different flavor for visitors," points out David Jackson, Executive Director of the Downtown Improvement Board. The parade and surrounding festival is different in feel than the daytime parades which follow.

Just across the bridge in Panama City is the St. Andrews neighborhood. One of the first parts of Bay County to be settled, St. Andrews has recently undergone a grass-roots-inspired resurrection.

An important aspect of this rejuvenation has been the St. Andrews Mardi Gras celebration. Begun in 1997 with a meager turnout, the event has become one of the most eagerly awaited in the greater Panama City area, with an estimated crowd for the parade in 2000 of 35,000 plus, and 2001 saw even more!

This year three parades are planned in conjunction with the celebration. First up is the Kid's Parade at 3pm on Friday, February 1st. The second is the Maskers Parade at 7pm Friday, and the biggie at 3pm on Saturday. They all head down Beck Avenue.

You'll want to get to the parade route early... the best spots go quickly! The big crowds don't show until about an hour or two prior to the parades, then they line at the curb becomes four and five deep. The best spots are those closer to the Oaks by the Bay park on 10th street.

If you plan on parking anywhere in the area, you'll need to show up at least three to four hours before the parade starts. The business district of St. Andrews is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, with limited parking available. On the plus side, there are sidewalks throughout the area, which make for easy walking!

Be aware that police will tow cars that are parked in private driveways, on medians, in front of water hydrants within 15 feet of curb corners, or on the parade route.

Beer is allowed at the parade, but it must be in a can or cup - no bottles. There is a police sub-station in St. Andrews, and a large police presence, so underage drinking isn't recommended! What is recommended though, is a costume. One of the great pleasures of Mardi Gras past has been the people-watching along the parade route.

Costumes have varied in style, size, and theme, but have always been entertaining! Keep in mind, whatever you wear, that the weather is fickle, and could change quickly. Dressing in layers is good advice.

Mardi Gras in Panama City has become more than a tradition, it's become an economic stimulus. "Both of them are great success stories for the events and also give a good shot in the arm to the local community," Mr. Jackson told TripSmarter.Com.

That "shot in the arm" is just what Panama City needed - beyond the economic advantages, it's a great way to get outside and party with friends and family during the winter!