AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Mardi Gras is almost here, and there are a few events coming up if you want to have the Mardi Gras experience here in Augusta.  

The Owners of Bike Bike Baby moved from New Orleans to Augusta four years ago. They wanted to bring the Mardi Gras experience here, so they started a Masquerade Ball three years ago. Now, they’re growing the event into Augusta’s own Mardi Gras Season with the ball, a parade, and Fat Tuesday Food and Music Festival at the Augusta Common.

“We say why not allow people to be able to experience it locally versus having to, you know, go to these other states,” said Christina Watson, Organizer of Mardi Gras in Augusta.

On March 1st at 12 pm, the parade will line up in front of the Miller Theater, start on 7th Street, turn onto Greene Street, make a U-turn at 12th Street, and finish up at 7th Street. Downtown construction means the route had to be altered a bit.

“Since Telfair is so torn up with construction, we weren’t able to use Telfair. So, you know we made the best of it. We are just trying to stay away from the construction and the railroad tracks,” said Watson.

They are not letting construction get in the way of bringing fun to the Augusta area.

“I would hope to see the entire city out. That’s what I am hoping. I just want to see everybody out having a good time,” said Watson

One of the businesses participating is happy to bring Mardi Gras to Augusta.

“I’ve been to the one in New Orleans, and it’s definitely a barrel of fun. So, I’m excited about the fact that they’re bringing it here to us. I think it will be a great revenue opportunity, awareness opportunity, and definitely a fun-filled activity,” said Charity Jones, Co-Owner of Puddle Pub.

Organizers want Augusta to make this event their own.

“We all know the Mardi Gras colors. We’ve all seen clips of Mardi Gras and the costumes and just the crazy outfits that people bring; I’d love to see that; I would absolutely love to see Augusta bring that out, but in their own way,” said Watson.

The Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball is on February 28th at 7:30 pm, and the Fat Tuesday Food and Music Festival will be from 11 am until 11 pm. If you would like to purchase tickets, you can do that here.