Join the City of Bastrop, Texas, in bringing the Mardi Gras celebration to life with vibrant floats, lively music, and unforgettable fun.
The free downtown festivities kick off with the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 10 am—a family- friendly procession that everyone can enjoy. You are invited to decorate a float, car, or golf cart and be part of the excitement!
In true Mardi Gras fashion, parade participants are welcome to toss approved items listed below. Let’s keep the tradition alive—come and join the fun!
There is no fee to participate, but you must bring your completed registration information form on the morning of the parade to be placed in the line-up. The parade route will start at Fisherman’s Park and remain north of Chestnut Street to ensure traffic flow on Chestnut is not disrupted. Please keep the parade moving—no stopping to solicit or perform along the route.
Key Points to Remember:
• Only Mardi Gras-themed decorated entries are allowed.
• Finishing touches to floats may be made in the Convention Center parking lot.
• Line up at Fisherman’s Park by entering from Willow Street.
• Riders can be dropped off at the intersection of Cedar and Willow, you must keep moving.
You will not be allowed to drive through parade line-up along Willow.
• Bring a copy of your completed registration and information forms to check in.
• Safety first: Have walkers on each side of your float to ensure children do not run out in front of your entry.
General Information
1. Bring a copy of your registration form (https://www.bastroptxmardigras.com/parade) with you on parade day to receive your number and be placed in the line-up. Line-up order is determined by arrival time at check-in. Line up begins at 8 a.m.
2. Entries must arrive parade-ready in Mardi Gras colors (green, gold, and purple)!
3. A prep area will not be available as space is limited in Fisherman’s Park.
4. The Parade will begin promptly at 10 a.m.
5. All participants in the Bastrop, Texas, Mardi Gras parade will be subject to photography/videography.
Safety Guidelines
5. Consumption of alcoholic beverages by anyone participating in the parade is forbidden. Entries cannot throw or distribute alcohol.
6. All large motorized vehicles must have a licensed driver. Small motorized vehicles (minibikes, small tractors, golf carts) must be operated by a person aged 12 years or older with an adult present. Only permissible during and on the parade route.
7. Entries must use extreme caution during the parade. Drivers, please stay alert to children near your vehicle. Drivers do not throw any items to maintain focus on safety. Drivers must not display excessive acceleration, a violation of city ordinance, and must always completely control their float and its participants.
8. Riders shall not hang over the sides of the floats or vehicles. Riders may not get on or off the floats during the parade. Participants may exit their float only when they reach a disassembly area.
Parade Flow & Logistics
9. Once you turn onto Spring Street, you must continue past Pecan Street without stopping or unloading. Unloading on city streets is not permitted. Share these details with your group to ensure the parade progresses smoothly. City Hall and the Convention Center are available for unloading.
10. The maximum height for any float entry is 12 feet. Maximum length with truck/trailer is 40 feet.
11. Due to parade pacing and sharp turns in the parade route, no 18 wheelers, tractor Trailers, or RVs will be allowed.
Entry Requirements
All entries must comply with all laws of the United States, and of the State of Texas, all ordinances of the City of Bastrop, and all rules and requirements of the Police and Fire Departments, or other Municipal Authorities of the City of Bastrop.
12. All parade entries must be decorated in Mardi Gras themes and colors!
13. Entries must be family-friendly and refrain from displaying or engaging in any materials, behaviors, or throws that could be considered lewd, obscene or indecent.
14. Any horses participating in the parade must have a current negative Coggins Test, submitted with their parade entry forms. Out-of-date reports will not be accepted.
15. All animals must be diapered, or you must provide walkers to clean up waste. This includes dogs, so please plan accordingly. All floats/entries that include animals will be placed at the end of the parade.
16. Dance troupes, walking groups, or political entries cannot stop to perform, solicit funds or campaign. You must keep moving!
Throwing Guidelines
16. The Mardi Gras parade entries can throw beads, candy, plastic-themed cups, soft stuffed toys, and moon pies. Throwing alcohol, Jell-O shots, or any obscene/prohibited items is strictly forbidden. You will be removed from parade if you do not follow the rules.
Rule Enforcement
17. Entries that do not follow the rules will be removed from the parade immediately. Participants choosing to disregard these rules may not be allowed to participate in future parades.
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