Courir de Mardi Gras at Vermilionville

Vermilionville's traditional country Mardi Gras run comes to the city for the annual Courir de Mardi Gras with the Basile Mardi Gras Association. The festivities begin at 10 AM on February 16, 2014, with children’s capuchon-making workshops which will continue all day. The Courir itself begins at 11 AM with an overview of the Mardi Gras tradition. Guests will visit six of the homes located inside Vermilionville’s historic village and watch the Basile Mardi Gras Association beg for all the ingredients for the community gumbo and indulge in some traditions along the way.

Children will have an opportunity to chase a chicken themselves at 12 PM, with the one who catches it receiving a prize. Gumbo will be available for purchase and guests can dance to the music of the Pine Leaf Boys in the performance center. Additionally, there will be Mardi Gras King Cake cooking demonstrations with Marie Walthers from 11 AM – 3 PM in Vermilionville’s Cooking School. Attendees will learn about the tradition of the King Cake as well as what it represents and how to make it, not to mention some samples in between.

Admission for the Courir de Mardi Gras is $5 for all ages, except children under 5 who get in free. For more information visit the calendar of events at Vermilionville.org, or call (337) 233-4077.