February 16, 2009 • Join the parade! You don’t need a float to get in on the Milton parade, set for 6 p.m.
Feb. 19. Decorate your umbrella and dance your way through the streets with the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce and the Relay for Life Team in the “Second Line Dance,” an old New Orleans tradition. Register at the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce. Registration is $5, and all proceeds go to Relay for Life. For more information, contact Tina Wilson at 255-1464 or send e-mail to . • 13th Annual Charity Mardi Gras Ball. Social hour: 6 to 7 p.m. Dining and dancing: 7 p.m. The Arc Santa Rosa Inc. presents the event at Sike’s Hall in Milton. The ever popular Mainstreet Band with Michael McCartan will be performing everyone’s favorite dance tunes. At 9 p.m., the 2009 Mardi Gras king and queen will be crowned. A champagne toast will salute the ball’s favorite couple. All proceeds will benefit The Arc Santa Rosa Inc., a nonprofit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Santa Rosa County since 1962. Sikes Hall, Whiting Field Naval Air Station. Tickets: $50 per person $350 for a table of eight. 623-9320. • Navarre Beach Mardi Gras Parade and Party, 1 p.m. The parade will begin at the intersection of Arkansas Street and Gulf Blvd and proceed east to the intersection in front of Cocodries. At that time the parade will disburse mostly by entering the park and proceeding towards Eglin AFB beach property. Parking will be available behind Cocodries and in the western portion of the former state park. • Third annual “Redneck Mardi Gras Ball.” Odom’s Bar, 9520 N. Century Blvd., Century. Attire: Fancy dresses and overalls. Social hour at 8 p.m., live music at 9 p.m. Admission: $5.
• Mardi Gras party, 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, Big Easy Tavern & Cajun Cafe, 710 N. Palafox (below the Days Inn lobby), downtown Pensacola. There will be a full authentic New Orleans cuisine restaurant on site, live music, giveaways, beads and more. No cover.