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The 15th annual Norman Mardi Gras Parade, themed "Celebrating Ancient Cultures -- In A Time Warp" starts 6:45 p.m. Saturday.
The 2009 King and Queen of Mardi Gras are State Rep. Wallace and Pat Collins.
Among this year's entries will be the Krew of Buckeus throwing stuffed animals to children and the Krew of Bogus throws mini Moon Pies with beads, JediOKC Star Wars Fan Club and life size characters from cartoons, anime and movies.
Also expected are Scarlet the seven-foot fox from Fox Moon Productions, the Oklahoma Victory Dolls Roller Derby team, Rowdy the Redhawk, Knights and Ladies from the Society of Creative Anachronism, Byron T. Bear, an Oklahoma National Guard Hummv, belly dancers, fire hoop dancers, McMichael's Electric Guitar Band, Little River Zoo staff and animals and Friends of the Dog Park, with Doggie Gras, including dogs and owners in costume.
The route begins at the Santa Fe Depot. The parade will travel north to Main Street, east to Crawford Avenue, south to Comanche Street and back to Jones Avenue for a second go around.
Families are asked to keep children on the sidewalks for safety. There will be free parking at the city lot on the south side of Gray Street between Peters and Crawford avenues, a half block from the route.
This year's parade is dedicated to Della, the African crested porcupine of Little River Zoo who died in December. She was a longtime parade participant and once served as grand marshal. Her sister Hoya will be there to carry on the family tradition.
