Mardi Gras de la Louisiane

Mardi Gras in Alexandria

The Mardi Gras au Coeur de la Louisianne (Mardi Gras in the Heart of Central Louisiana) spirit has really taken hold of Central Louisiana since the first parade was held in 1994. 

Alexandria's Mardi Gras has grown from a total of ten floats and participation of four Mardi Gras Krewes to twenty-two floats and 20 Mardi Gras Krewes. Parade attendance is now estimated at 120,000, and the Saturday morning Children's parade attendance in downtown Alexandria is estimated at 25,000.

The Alexandria Mardi Gras Association was begun in 1993 by a consortium of local business leaders, the Alexandria/Pineville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Mardi Gras enthusiasts, the Association has continued its commitment of making Mardi Gras merriment without the hassle of the big city. 

The 1993 Board of Directors and those instrumental in the creation of the Alexandria Mardi Gras event were Anne Fitzgerald, Mike Tudor, Fred Rosenfeld, Tom Hardin, Mike Hadnot, Bart Schmolke and Ann Johnson. Through AMGA's strategic management, Mardi Gras in the Heart of Louisiana has continued to expand and offer families the pomp and splendor of this Louisiana tradition in the safety of small-time city parades.