BAY MINETTE, Ala. — In addition to the annual Mardi Gras Parade, local residents are used to, this year's festivities will also include Mardi Gras Fest — a two-day event featuring arts and crafts, music, kids games and more.

The Bay Minette Civic Club is sponsoring the event, which in years past had been hosted by the Mystic Revelers.

"Mystic Revelers of Bay Minette hosted a Mardi Gras Festival 2006, 2007 and 2008, but did not have enough manpower to host it last year along with their Mardi Gras Parade and Ball," BMCC president Greg Mais said. "So they offered it to the Bay Minette Civic Club."

Mais said the event will begin Friday at 10 a.m. at Blackburn Park, located at Hoyle Avenue and 1st Street, and will remain open until 8 p.m. On Saturday, the festival will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More than 30 arts and crafts and merchandise vendors will offer their wares, in addition to food, drinks, games and a Battle of the Bands.

At noon, the Mystic Revelers of Bay Minette will host the 5th Annual "Red, White and a 5th of Blues" Mardi Gras Parade. 

Admission is free.