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NATCHEZ – Children throughout the Miss-Lou are invited to join the Mardi Gras fun as the Krewe of Phoenix hosts a Children’s Parade on Feb. 8.

Tracy Gammon is spearheading the effort for the Krewe of Phoenix.

“We just wanted to do something to give back to the community, and it’s my understanding we used to do this years ago at the Natchez Mall,” Gammon said.

The free parade is open to children throughout the Miss-Lou and participants are encouraged to “show their Mardi Gras spirit,” Gammon said.

“I work at Delta Charter School, and lots of my kids are excited about it,” she said. “And I know the krewe has several parents with children at Cathedral, and they’re all planning to figure out the best costume for the parade.”

Registration for the parade begins at 9 a.m. on Feb. 8 at Rosalie on the Natchez Bluff. The parade will begin at 10 a.m., and participants will process down Broadway to the Gazebo.  “Krewe members will be there and will judge the participants and award prizes for first place, second place and third place,” Gammon said.

The only rules are no motorized entries (including battery operated cars or carts) and no pets. “You can bring a stroller, a wagon, walk or even ride a bike, but it will be very slow … and nothing motorized,” she said.

Throws and beads are optional. “They can certainly toss beads if they want to,” she added.

In the event of rain, the parade will be canceled.