Jefferson's "Mardi Gras Up-River"
Sets the Mood For A Week of Celebration,
Before Lent

 

By: Bobby McDonald

 

 

With "Fat Tuesday" on February 16th, and the New Orleans Saints winning yesterday's XLIV Super Bowl, it was only fitting, that on Saturday and Sunday, Jefferson, Texas, hosted their annual "Mardi Gras Up-River," to kick-off the celebration. The annual event in Jefferson, has become a favorite place for people from Hopkins County to go and "get in the Mardi Gras spirit, without having to make the trip to "The Big Easy."

 

 

"Especially, since Katrina, it's great to celebrate Mardi Gras, right here close to home," remarked one Dallas resident, who was in Jefferson. "The crowds are much smaller, the food is great, and we just have wonderful time in Jefferson, each year. This is our 5th time to come for Mardi Gras Up-River!"

 

 

 

"And, there is just so much to do and see, in Jeferson," inserted another lady from the Metro-Plex. "There's shopping, tours of historic homes, bookstores, and the atmosphere in is so laid-back, as well as wonderful food!"

 

 

Saturday's Up-River Parade began at 2:00 and featured antique cars, floats, bands, and plenty of "bead throwing," as the entries made their way down the streets in the heart of Jefferson. Revelers lined the streets to watch the parade and participate in the fun. "We're from nearby Longview and Daingerfield," inserted a couple in their mid-twenties. "And it's the perfect place to come and 'beat the crowds,' have some fun, and enjoy a couple of days of celebration. There's a group of about 15 of our friends, who begun to make this an annual tradition!"

 

 

 

 

"We're the Red Haters, from Gilmer," allowed a group of about 20 middle-aged ladies, who seemed to be very successful at catching beads! "And, we're not telling what we had to do to get 'em! Our husbands don't need to know!"

 

 

 

 

Restaurants in Jefferson were extending hours, and  had long lines, as they served up their regular menus, as well as special fare for the annual Mardi Gras celebration. "Business is great!" advised one restaurant owner. "It's becoming a tradition for people all across Northeast Texas and Northern Louisiana, to come to Jefferson, for this celebration!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"It's one of our busiest weekend," allowed a local antique dealer, from his shop in the antique district. "We have people traveling from the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and from even across the state lines in Arkansas and Louisiana, to make this weekend of fun. Many groups of ladies, have begun to make this one of their annual outings to get away for some winter fun, and shop in our stores!"

 

 

Saturday and Sunday's event centered around a fun weekend and made for a great way to "chase away the winter blues," in festive atmosphere, in the historic town of Jefferson!

 

 

 

 

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