Also known as Carnival, Mardi Gras is a time of excess before the month-long fast of Lent and also a time to indulge in rich food and drink, celebrate with friends and family, and party ‘til the sun comes up!

Granite City Mardi Gras is bringing fun to festival fans this year with a bang on March 1. Watch as decorated floats take to the street starting at 1 p.m., followed by a Block Party from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with live music by Sweetie & The Toothaches and Baywolfe, kid’s activities in Alligator Alley, and vendor shopping!

The Granite City parade starts at 29th & State Street and heads westbound to 27th Street, turning left and then right onto Madison Avenue, westbound to Niedringhaus Avenue, and ends at Civic Park downtown where the block party will begin!

Wordi Gras also kicks off this year in downtown Worden Saturday, March 1 at Noon. The popular, self-described “Redneck Mardi Gras” parties like only rural America can with a free-to-enter parade showing off floats, tractors, and trucks bursting with Mardi Gras flair, live music at Worden’s American Legion, the Yellow Dog Café & Bar, and The Rustic, and food and drink vendors offering carnival fare through the evening.

The Wordi Gras parade begins at 3 p.m. and travels down Wall Street, starting at Park Street and Drummond Street. Any float or vehicle can enter the parade - just get in line! Be sure to bring cash for Wordi Gras- most vendors are cash only! Party through the night with food and drink specials and don’t forget to wear your purple, green, and gold!

More Mardi Gras Fun

VFW Post 1241 in Staunton will be celebrating with a Mardi Gras Party on March 1 starting at noon. Enjoy live music by band Chaser throughout the evening;, feast on jambalaya, fish sandwiches, fish baskets, and drink specials until 10 p.m. - all open to the public!

The Franchise Bar & Grill in Wood River will also be hosting specials March 1 and have gumbo starting at 2 p.m.