Mardi Gras Events 2010: Celebrations in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

New Smyrna Beach is hosting three fun-filled Mardi Gras Events in 2010. This year proves to be exciting and entertaining, as residents of this energetic beach town engage in Carnival-like celebrations.

Celebrations in New Smyrna Beach kick-off with the annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade on Saturday, February 6^th, followed by the Mardi Gras parade for humans held on Fat Tuesday, February 16^th. Celebrations wind down with Mardi Gras Casino Night hosted at Hidden Lakes Golf Club on Friday, February 19^th.

New Smyrna Beach Mardi Gras Dog Parade

Hosted by the Southeast Volusia Humane Society, the New Smyrna Beach Mardi Gras Dog Parade begins at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 6th.

Registration is open to all pets and their owners. The entry fee is $5 per animal. Contestants can download a registration form at www.sevh.com or register at the event. Registration begins at 1:00 pm in the northwest corner parking lot at Orange Avenue and Canal Street, where the A Lotta Scents store used to be located.

This year, Miss Scarlet and Charlie Carlson, stars of the PBS special "Weird Florida - Roads Less Traveled" will be joint Grand Masters in the parade. Miss Scarlet is a rescue dog who has become the poster dog for animal rights. She has helped raise money, supplies and awareness for various animal shelters, rescue facilities and humane societies.

Contestants and their owners are encouraged to bring donation supplies. Presently, the Southeast Volusia Humane Society is in need of dry puppy food, dry kitten food, rawhide chews and treats, regular clay kitty litter, chlorine bleach, hand sanitizer, paper towels, dish soap, laundry soap, flea and tick prevention and heartworm prevention medications. Cash donations and gift cards are always welcome.

Since this is a Mardi Gras parade, it should go without saying dogs should be dressed in Mardi Gras attire. Pet owners are encouraged to don their Mardi Gras garb as well! Participating dogs should be leash-friendly, people-friendly, and socialized to get along with other dogs.

Parade observers can make a day of exploring downtown New Smyrna Beach by visiting the Farmers Market between the hours of 7:00am and 1:00pm. Local produce, seafood, bakery products, plants, arts, crafts and other unique and interesting items are available for purchase.

After the Mardi Gras Pet parade, visitors can enjoy the "Gallery Walk" featuring the works of more than 100 local artists. Suitable for all ages, Gallery Walk takes place between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm and features art demonstrations, live music, refreshments, and drink specials at Maloney's Oyster Bar located at Canal Street and Riverside Drive. Learn more about the Gallery Walk and Canal Street merchants at www.CanalStreet.com.

New Smyrna Beach Mardi Gras Parade

New Smyrna's Mardi Gras Parade takes place on Tuesday, February 16th along historic Flagler Avenue. This high-energy event embraces traditional Mardi Gras celebrations including the infamous bead-throwing.

The festival kicks off with the Mardi Gras Parade at 7:00 pm. Afterwards visitors can enjoy live bands, food booths, vendors and sponsors positioned along Flagler Avenue from the Causeway Bridge to Breaker's Restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Popular restaurants and bars engaging in Mardi Gras celebrations include: Clancy's Cantina, Trader's Beach Club, OM Bar and Chill Lounge, Flagler Tavern, Peanuts Restaurant and Sports Bar, and Breaker's Restaurant.

Individuals interested in registering for the Mardi Gras parade can contact Gary at the Sea Horse Inn by calling 386.428.8080. Parade participants can also pick up application forms at the New Smyrna Beach Visitors Center at 2238 State Road 44. Discover what else is happening on Flagler Avenue by visiting www.FlaglerAve.com.

New Smyrna Beach Mardi Gras Casino Night

Mardi Gras Casino Night will be hosted at the Hidden Lakes Golf Club at 35 Fairgreen Avenue in New Smyrna Beach on Friday, February 19th from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Event tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased through Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce located at 115 Canal Street in downtown New Smyrna.

Ticket prices for Mardi Gras Casino Night include $1500 in gaming bucks. Casino games include: Blackjack, Texas Hold'em, Stud Poker, Wheel of Fortune, Slot machines, Roulette table, and Bingo.

In addition to exciting casino games, this Mardi Gras event includes a silent auction, a Grand Prize giveaway for a fabulous weekend getaway, and a His and Hers Beach Cruiser Raffle. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $5 each or three for $10.

For more information call the Chamber at: 386.428.2449, or visit their website at www.sevchamber.com.