"font-size: small;">BAY

MINETTE, Ala. — It’s almost party time in north Baldwin County, as

the third annual Mardi Gras Fest is set to head into Bay Minette

next weekend.

"font-size: small;">Set for 9

a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at Halliday Park on McMeans Avenue,

the event is expected to offer a family-oriented celebration of the

Mardi Gras season. According to Greg Mais, president the Bay

Minette Civic Club, which is presenting the festival, it’s a

celebration that’s overdue.

"font-size: small;">“Last year,

the wind and rain was so bad,” he said in a telephone interview.

“Then the year before that, it snowed.”

"font-size: small;">But Mais is

hoping the weather will cooperate next week.

"font-size: small;">“We’re

telling people the third one will be the charm,” he

said.

"font-size: small;">If it will,

plenty of features are lined up at the event, including carnival

rides and games provided by the Birmingham-based Trinity

Amusements. Plus, music will be provided by disc jockey Miss

OnDaGo.

"font-size: small;">“She’s

going to do karaoke,” Mais said.

"font-size: small;">The day

will also include live performance from the Bay Minette band Red

Eleven at 2 and 4 p.m.

"font-size: small;">A highlight

of Mardi Gras Fest will be the Mystic Revelers’ seventh annual

Mardi Gras Parade. According to Mais, the parade will kick off at

noon at Bay Minette Middle School. He pointed out that those

attending Mardi Gras Fest at that time will be in an ideal spot to

see the promenade.

"font-size: small;">“It’ll come

right by the festival,” Mais said.

"font-size: small;">A tradition

that will spill over into Mardi Gras Fest is the tribute to

MoonPies.

"font-size: small;">“We’re

going to have a MoonPie-eating contest,” Mais

said.

"font-size: small;">He

explained that the inspiration came from the tradition of the

chocolate goodies being tossed from parade

floats.

"font-size: small;">“We just

wanted to add something that would be fun for all ages,” Mais said.

“Registration for the contest is that day.”

"font-size: small;">He

explained that the contest will pit contestants in six age groups,

ranging from child to adult, against each other to see who can be

the fastest at consuming the tasty treats.

"font-size: small;">In

addition, vendors will be on hand, offering food and a variety of

other items for sale.

"font-size: small;">“Arts and

crafts vendors will be coming from four or five states,” Mais said,

listing such wares to be available as hand-made items, candles,

jewelry and sand art. “We’ll also have face-painting and airbrush

tattoos.”

"font-size: small;">Admission

to Mardi Gras Fest is free. However, donations will be accepted for

Bay Minette Civic Club’s charity fund. For more information about

the event, call 251-463-1909 or visit

"http://www.bmcivicclub.com/">www.bmcivicclub.com.