February 5, 2010 - Orange Beach, AL — The City of Orange Beach is proud to announce that local World War II Veterans and Honor Flight South Alabama Participants are going to lead the Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade on February 16, 2010 at 1:30pm. According to Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon, “This is just a small way that we can pay tribute to these great men who have sacrificed so much for us and our children to enjoy the freedoms that we have today. Please come out and help us honor them.”These Grand Marshals from the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area have participated in or are waiting to participate in the next Honor Flight South Alabama, a volunteer run organization that takes veterans on a one-day, all-expenses-paid trip to the capital city according to Dr. Barry Booth, the local organization’s co-chairman and guardian director. The national organization focuses on flying WWII veterans to see the memorial because many senior citizens would never have the chance to visit it in their lifetimes due to financial or health-related issues, according to the Web site. Honor Flight pays travel expenses for veterans, who may take one guardian with them who pay their own way. Medical staff will also attend to help those with disabilities. Please visit http://www.honorflight.org/ to learn more about the national organization.
The good times will roll all weekend in Orange Beach with the Mystical Order of Mirams kicking off the parades on Friday, February 12 starting at 6:30pm on the same parade route as the Orange Beach Parade, which is a two mile stretch beginning at the traffic light at Wintzell’s on Perdido Beach Boulevard and ending at the traffic light at Highway 161. Visit www.mirams.info.
The Mardi Gras weekend continues with the Mystics of Pleasure Parade on Saturday night, February 13 at 6:30pm. This parade will be on Perdido Beach Boulevard as well but will start near Live Bait and will roll East past Highway 161 ending at Perdido Beach Resort. This longer route will take the colorful floats past Zeke’s, San Roc and all other locations along the beachside. Visit www.mysticsofpleasure.org.
The Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade is the culmination of Fat Tuesday (February 16) Parades on the Island. Led by Grand Marshal Honor Flight South Albama and World War II Veterans. The parade will begin at 1:30pm at Wintzell’s and end at the intersection of Perdido Beach Boulevard and Highway 161. If you are tailgating and watching from Bruno’s, Winn Dixie or Publix parking lots, the front of the parade should arrive about 2:15pm but the highway will be closed just before the parade begins to ensure safety of the public and all spectators. Musical entertainment includes local artists led by JJ Mack riding on the city’s Marlin float followed by the Gulf Shores High School Dolphin Band and more.
The City of Orange Beach works closely with each Krewe to ensure a family atmosphere and parades for all ages are provided. We hope that your 2010 Mardi Gras experience is a positive one. For more information, log onto www.cityoforangebeach.com.
