La Crosse Mari Gras is a family oriented celebration designed to unite the families of La Crosse and surrounding communities for a day of fun, food, and fellowship. In the past, Mardi Gras helped provide tuition assistance for the families of Coulee Catholic Schools (CCS). However, the past Rexes and Queens along with the Mardi Gras Committee now recognize the need to provide assistance to Coulee Region children in other ways. We are proud to announce that we will also be providing scholarships to the Gateway Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Riverland Council of the Girl Scouts, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Greater La Crosse Area and the La Crosse Family YMCA. We have evolved into a community event with a unique identity and purpose.

Our celebration of Mardi Gras is based on the many Mardi Gras festivals held throughout the state of Louisiana. Here in La Crosse we have developed our own style of Mardi Gras festival. In Louisiana, the festival is centered around a Rex and Queen and their faithful "Krewes of Carnival." Each krewe is represented by its own Lord and Lady. There is one krewe for each of the local Catholic parishes involved in CCS: St. James, Cathedral, Blessed Sacrament, Roncalli Newman Center, St. Pat's, Holy Trinity and Mary Mother of the Church.

These krewes along with the reigning Rex and Queen make Mardi Gras a very special event. Their creative spirit makes for a truly magical experience. Each year the krewes re-invent themselves with innovative themes. These elaborate costumes and the camaraderie of the krewes keep the community coming back for more!

The La Crosse Mardi Gras is centered around two main events. First is a lavish and formal costume ball. Costumes are optional but formal attire is strongly suggested. This is an adults only party where the new Rex and Queen of carnival are revealed. The newly appointed Rex and Queen preside over the ball and the many following krewe parties that lead up to the main family-oriented celebration. This family/community festival is the highlight of the Rex and Queen's reign.

All year round we help support the other local festivals, lending our flair and flamboyance, supporting such events as Applefest, Octoberfest, and Jazzfest to name a few. We want to remind everyone of the fun that will come in midwinter and chase away cabin fever.



You can sample a variety of foods at any of the eight food booths. There are food choices to please any palate from kids to adults. Cajun chili, root beer floats, jambalaya, brats and kraut, hot dogs are just a few of the appetizing foods you can try at the festival. All proceeds raise needed funds for Mardi Gras and their represented parishes.

There is an endless parade of talent on the stages at Mardi Gras. Area show choirs, and dance groups showcase their exceptional talent. Karate demonstrations, Rainbow Ridge Petting Zoo, juggling and clowns are among several forms of entertainment for both young and old alike. View the hilarity of the Mardi Gras krewes performing their tribute to the festival and the reigning Rex and Queen.

If food and entertainment aren't enough, try your hand at one of the many carnival games. Win a prize in the children's costume contest. Maybe you can try several of the inflatable amusements like the jump house or climbing wall. Buy a chance to win one of the many fantastic prizes at the children's raffle. There is also a raffle for the adults which has in the past offered cash prizes, airline tickets, (courtesy of Travel Professionals, Inc. and Northwest Airlines,) and a $500 Gift Certificate to Rose Jewelers.

Mardi Gras is a special event that strives to bring the community together for fun and fellowship.