Havre de Grace welcomes visitors and locals to celebrate Maryland's longest running Mardi Gras Parade along Bourbon Street, sponsored by Havre de Grace Historic Preservation.
The 8th annual Havre de Grace Mardi Gras Parade will culminate with a festive downtown procession at 6:30 p.m. on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 17, where spectators will enjoy floats, costumed characters and a shower of beads.
The Methodist Church on Congress Avenue will be hosting a traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner prior to the parade from 5 to 7 p.m.
Parade floats will be constructed by local businesses and artisans and the parade will proceed from Bourbon Street, Washington Street, and onto St. John Street.
"It is amazing to see time and creativity that is put into the floats. They get better each year with many surprises for all to enjoy," Brigitte Peters, tourism manager for the City of Havre de Grace, said in a statement.
The parade is among several activities planned as Havre de Grace embraces French culture with a grand week of celebration.
The day before the parade, on Monday, Feb. 16, the Vandiver Inn will hold Mardi Gras themed "Fat Monday Supper Club," where guests can enjoy Lily's famous gumbo, spicy shrimp, cheesy grits, potato salad and bananas foster. More information available at http://www.vandiverinn.com,
Post-procession parties will be held Tuesday night at restaurants and bars around town where party goers can partake of specials, music and more.
Mardi Gras week is a great to time book a stay at one of the city's lovely historic bed and breakfasts, Peters said. For more information visit http://www.explorehavredegrace.com. or call 1-800-851-7756 to get a guide to all Havre de Grace's events.