LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER!
The SoMardi Gras parade has become an annual tradition South Main Street in Little Rock. Since 2010, thousands of Little Rock residents and others from around central Arkansas have enjoyed this funky, family-friendly festival hosted by SoMa 501. This year, our theme will be “Rolling 20’s”. As we enter a new “Twenties” decade, we pay homage to not just The Roaring Twenties, but also to the Industrial Revolution of the 1820s and the powdered wigs of the 1720s. Let your imagination roll as you come up with the most creative theme! We welcome different entry styles, including floats, walking groups, classic cars, and pets!
At high noon on February 22, 2020, the parade kicks off from the lineup position on East 22nd Street. It proceeds north to 12th Street where it terminates. Local neighborhood residents and others from around the city line the sidewalks to catch candy and beads from the floats. Churches, social organizations, nonprofits, government services, schools, and commercial businesses are encouraged to register their floats for this unique experience!
After the parade is over, parade goers can watch the 8th Annual Beard & Mustache Contest, hosted by The Arkansas Times and The Root Cafe. Lifetime Achievement Categories are Best Natural Beard Over 6”, Best Natural Beard Under 6”, Best Mustache, Best Groomed Beard, Most Original Beard, Best DIY Crafted Beard (Women’s Category). Registration is the day of the event.
In addition to the Parade and Beard Contest, we will also announce the winner of our Second Line School Band Competition and the SoMardi Gras Raffle. To bring the celebration full circle, Charlotte Taylor and Stuart Baer will be jammin’ in the Garden. Bring your bead catching arms and dancing shoes! This is sure to be a fantastic day celebrating the SoMa community!
