NORMAN — Everyone knows Mardi Gras for the festive colors, elaborate costumes, decadent food, bead-throwing and of course, a giant parade.
But Oklahoma’s original Mardi Gras parade is about more than just fun. It’s about community.
The Norman Mardi Gras Parade will take place at 7 p.m. on Feb. 18, but organizers are asking for donations prior to the parade to support the Cleveland County Community Action Agency food pantry.
Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at the Norman Public Library Feb. 4-17.
The Norman Mardi Gras committee hopes the parade will promote community through art, music and human rights awareness. Ed Kearns, charity coordinator, said donating to the agency is a way to reach one of their goals.
“Well, there’s a lot of reasons,” he said about why people should get involved. “It’s a celebration of arts and community spirit ... it’s also a lot of fun. The food drive is just a fun way that the community can help those that are in need.“
The agency serves meals to over 130 families in a month’s time, Kearns said, and he said it is a reflection of the sense of community and support within Norman.
“The mayor does a proclamation to highlight the parade and highlight the food drive,” he said. “We have support from the city council and the assistance of the library so it truly is a community effort. I think that speaks very well of how Norman views itself.”
This year’s parade, the med “Let’s Heat It Up!”, will have Mardi Gras-themed activities, including art and live music, before, during and after the parade, Aimee Rook, parade coordinator, said.
Like always, Norman’s parade is family friendly, and families, along with organizations and businesses, are invited to get a krew together for the parade.
“This is a creative outlet. This is a creative parade,” Rook said. “This is your time to sing, dance, shine, have fun — it’s just totally about shaking off the winter blues and building community and creating this together.”
Awards will be given for the best parade entries, including: marchers/walking entry, unidentified rolling object, lights, music, Norman’s wackiest family, and spirit of Norman.
Registration, accepted no later than Feb. 15, is $25. Entry forms are available online at www.normanmardigrasparade.com or may be picked up at the Norman Library, 225 N. Webster Ave., or the Norman Arts Council, 122 E. Main St.
“We welcome entries really from all over,” Rook said. “And I know people who drive up from Altus, from Lawton just to get a piece of the New Orleans experience with beads and a night time parade.”
Hannah Cruz 366-3540 hcruz@normantranscript.com
