This Saturday marks Burlington’s 14th Annual Mardi Gras Parade presented by Magic Hat.  It’s New England’s biggest Mardi Gras celebration, with over 30 floats tossing out beads, Louisiana Moon Pies, trinkets and of course Lake Champlain Chocolates.  This is the perfect event to knock that long winter cabin fever out of your system!

The festivities begin at 3pm but be sure to get there early so you can get a good spot (and remember to wear a warm jacket!). To help take the chill off, Lake Champlain Chocolates’ Church Street store will be serving up Hot Chocolates, as well as preparing Mardi Gras Fudge (from 1 - 4) and authentic Louisiana Pralines!

With the combination of music, floats, and revelers, this is truly one of Burlington’s greatest winter events. For the past several years, I’ve stood on Church St to witness the smiling faces and beautiful floats created by many of our local businesses. Even though Magic Hat (a local brewery) organizes the event, it is unquestionably a family affair and Magic Hat uses the event to raise funds and awareness for the Rape Crisis Center of Chittenden County.

So if you don’t have any plans this weekend, get out there!  Grab some beads!  Have some fun while you support a great cause!