Mardi Gras is known for fun and festivities. Mardi Gras traditionally takes place before the fasting season of Lent, its origins go all the way back to the ancient Rome. Many cities continue the tradition today, for example Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana, and maybe the most famous celebration of them all takes place in Rio de Janeiro.
But did you know that in St Marys, Mardi Gras has a long tradition, in 2012 it will be the 19th year for the annual festival.
The family-friendly Mardi Gras Festival in St Marys, GA. This event is held annually the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. The 19th Annual Mardi Gras Festival and Parade  on February 9, 2013, is one of the most popular annual festivals in St Marys. Everyone comes downtown to view the Mardi Gras parade with is colorful floats and, most importantly, to catch beads thrown from the floats.  All kids just love this! The parade is the official start of the Mardi Gras festival and after the parade the fun continues with entertainment, arts and crafts, and amusements.Â
There will be a parade starting at 10am, an antique and customized car show, a kid’s carnival and formal costume ball. For more information, contact the St Marys Welcome Center at 912-882-4000 orFor more information, call 912-882-7350 or 912-552-0072.
St Marys is on the Georgia coast, right on the border to Florida. Get off I-95 at exit 1 or exit 3 and drive east for about 15 minutes and you will get to the quaint little town of St. Marys, the gateway to Cumberland Island. You can take the ferry across to this barrier island from St. Marys.
 