Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/6608
42 LIVEMAGS.NET FEBRUARY>>10 shoreline village Mardi gras: party like the big easy Writer>>Jon Khoshafian This time of the year between New Year's and summer in California is a slower paced stretch of time. We move from eventful holiday vacations, filled with time spent with family and friends, to anticipation of the coming summer for hanging at the beach. Therefore February special events are especially tantalizing, to fill in the late winter gaps. The Long Beach Mardi Gras at Rainbow Harbor, on February 20 is one such unique event when Long Beach plays host to its own Mardi Gras! Taking place at Rainbow Harbor, the entire Long Beach area will bring the music, the dancing, and the flare that reflects the allure and legends of New Orleans. Long Beach Mardi Gras at Rainbow Harbor is a giant celebration that includes a parade of the most festive sort, and music and dancing that can get the biggest square off his feet and start grooving and swaying to the beat. The official press release described the event's activities as "an all day event with free family- friendly programs around the harbor during the day, a nighttime Mardi Gras concert and the addition of the inaugural Long Beach Mardi Gras Parade"! The festivities kickoff at 12 noon and the parade begins at 3 PM at the Aquarium Fountain. You can make an entire day out of it and it's all FREE. This year's theme is "Mardi Gras Loves Long Beach," where participants get a chance to show what they love about our city! The parade will feature community groups, bands, businesses and individuals dancing to traditional Mardi Gras music and throwing beads and trinkets to the crowd." There will be live music at Shoreline Village, the Pike, the Aquarium, and at the Bandshell. The first Annual Long Beach Mardi Gras Party will feature a wide variety of live music and entertainment including jazz, gospel, hip hop, and blues-- a Mardi Gras event that brings the spirit of New Orleans to our backyard. "For the kids there will be arts and crafts, costume contests, and face painting." This Mardi Gras celebration in downtown Long Beach will be a distinctive event as we opens our arms to a legendary way of life and entertainment. We can enjoy this incredible time to spice up the winter season and enjoy the colorful southern culture of Carnivale. February 20 is the day Southern California will come alive with the Mardi Gras celebrations. www.lbmardigras.com. INFO Buena Park Downtown 8308 On the Mall, Buena Park, CA 90620 (714) 828-7722 | buenaparkdowntown.com