Three ways to celebrate Mardi Gras in the midstate

Mardi Gras in Middle Georgia may sometimes be overshadowed by other February heavy hitters -- the Super Bowl and Valentine's Day -- but here are three ways folks can celebrate the French tradition of food and fun before the fasting of Lent, which begins Feb. 10.

Traditionally, Fat Tuesday falls the on the day before the start of Lent, also known as Ash Wednesday, but locals say they prefer to celebrate Mardi Gras during the weekend in order to draw larger crowds and to recover from the partying before the work week begins.

FIRST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN PERRY

Downtown Perry is celebrating first First Friday with a Mardi Gras-themed celebration complete with beads, masks, live music, a brass ensemble parade and, yes, alcohol.

Craft vendors include wood carvers, metal sculptures, potters, painters and basket weavers.

"We've got a very interesting mix of artists and artisans, and, of course, they are always ready to talk about their craft," said Martin Myers, event organizer with Perry Arts Center Committee and the Perry Downtown Merchants. "It makes for a pleasant stroll downtown, especially if you have a libation in hand."

Cherokee Pines Golf Club will have two booths open to sell traditional French treats such as deep fried beignets, Cajun red beans and rice cups and authentic Pat O'Brien hurricane cocktails.

The MardiGrowl section celebrates canine companions on the 700 block of Carroll Street with a pet costume prize and then a pet/owner costume prize.

Members of the Georgia Big Band's brass ensemble will lead a parade at 7:30 p.m.

"They will come up from the 700 block all the way to the 300 block, then they will turn around and retrace their steps," Myers said. "It'll be more of what they call a second line, where the revelers can just fall in behind the musicians."

Visitors will be given beads, masks and hats.

"We hope to get them in the mood," Myers said. "Maybe they can (have) a couple of hurricanes and really get into the mood."

Two stages will host music throughout the evening, including Perry musician Drew Whitehead and Mike Robinson.

Learn more about the free event at www.perry-ga.gov/first-friday-mardi-gras.

ARTY GRAS

The 567 Center for Renewal will host Arty Gras on Saturday. This Mardi Gras-themed fundraising event will include New Orleans-inspired food from Parish on Cherry, a photo booth complete with props, and a five-piece jazz band.

"Mardi Gras is such a fine time and there's so much food and color and excitement associated with it," said Melissa Macker, executive director of The 567 Center for Renewal. "And there didn't seem to be another event in Macon that really captured the spirit of Mardi Gras, so we thought we'd bring that experience to Macon."

Guests can bring their own masks or create their own at a craft table before gorging on cajun meatballs, redneck seafood dip, cream cheese and pepper jelly spread and grit fritters. Tickets include two drinks, but a cash bar will see you through the rest of the evening.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Get tickets at www.the567.org/arty-gras.

MADRI GRAS PARTY

St. Peter Claver Catholic Church will host its third annual family-friendly Mardi Gras party with food, music and an inside parade on Friday.

"They just parade around the gym to that 'Saints Go Marching In' music," said Gwendolyn Booker, who is planning the event as a fundraiser for the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary.

Visitors are encouraged to come in costume, and masks and beads also will be provided.

Booker said Mardi Gras is a special time to be with family and celebrate faith.

"It's a celebration before you have to give up things before Lent," Booker said. "People used to put a nail in their pocket and carry it with them forever during Lent, and that was to remind them that Christ was crucified and he had to suffer during those 40 days during Lent."

Tickets are $5. Get more information at www.spcccmacon.com/mardi-gras.html.

This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 5:35 PM with the headline "Three ways to celebrate Mardi Gras in the midstate ."