Who says you have to go to New Orleans to experience real Mardi Gras? Well, if you’re a fan of huge crowds and lots of un-family-like behavior, head to the Big Easy and be careful.

If you’re looking for a great time that the entire family can enjoy, the answer can be found right here in Natchez.

Downtown Natchez will be the place to be this evening as the Krewe of Phoenix parade rolls through town.

The Krewe always does a wonderful job selecting grand marshals for the event, and this year is no exception.

Led by Mississippi native and former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley and her husband, TV celebrity Gary Collins, as grand marshals, the parade will kick off at 5 p.m.

Mobley, who was named Miss America in 1959, has starred in a number of successful films, television shows and Broadway performances. Collins is most known for his work hosting several television talk-shows.

And they won’t be the only &uot;stars&uot; riding atop the floats tonight.

Royalty for the 18th annual parade include Rex XVIII John Carl Bergeron and Rosalie XVIII Mary Berryhill Leslie.

With the theme, &uot;Stars and Stripes Forever,&uot; we suspect the streets will be filled with lots of red, white and blue.

We encourage everyone go to tonight’s parade, have a great time and behave responsibly.