Long Beach Mardi Gras Parade

Long Beach Mardi Gras

February 6, 2016

I went to check out the Mardi Gras parade being held at Shoreline Village in Long Beach which was benefiting Ronald McDonald House.  Ronald McDonald was the Mardi Gras King, and the Ronald McDonald House charity was selling special beads for $2 each with the proceeds going to their charity.  There was also a vendor selling event t-shirts in which a portion of the sales were also benefiting Ronald McDonald House.  The shirts were very reasonably priced and screenprinted on site.  

Pirates heading to the parade starting point

It looked like anyone could sign up to participate in the parade, but there were specific local groups (most were local Shoreline Village businesses) at the head of the procession.  There was a mask-making activity for the kids, and live music followed the parade.  

Front of the parade

The parade route began near the Aquarium of the Pacific and proceeded towards Shoreline Village (turning right at the Yard House restaurant) curving around the shore.  There was a small set of bleachers set up near the Yard House restaurant which is where I sat. 

Parade Queen and King

The parade is a fun family-friendly event, but it’s really short lasting about 10 minutes.  I hope the parade will grow as word gets out about this event.

Mrs. Long Beach

Rocky Horror Picture Show

This was amazing to see in person. The detail was incredible.

Spectators catching beads

There are a few more free events coming up at Shoreline Village so be sure to check their website and Facebook pages for details.

Have Fun Los Angeles!

Veronica