Port Arthur preps for Mardi Gras
Published 10:19 am Tuesday, February 6, 2018
- Crews with Hinds Fence install fence around the perimeter of the Mardi Gras grounds on Monday. Mardi Gras Southeast Texas begins Thursday in downtown Port Arthur. Mary Meaux/The News
It’s beginning to look like Mardi Gras in downtown Port Arthur.
Crews with Hinds Fence were busy installing fencing along areas of Procter Street from Atlanta Avenue to Austin Avenue and near the pavilion Monday, in advance of the annual Mardi Gras Southeast Texas celebration that runs Thursday through Sunday.
Ticket booths at either end of the grounds are in place, stacks of Port-A-Potties have been unloaded and three semi-tractor trailers bearing the emblem for the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales were pulling the Aurora building.
Ticket booths for Mardi Gras Southeast Texas are in place and ready on Procter Street for Thursday.
Mary Meaux/The News
Laura Childress, president of Mardi Gras Southeast Texas, said there would be plenty of things to see and do this year.
“The festival is doing well and we look forward to a fun-filled weekend,” Childress said.
A man welds a piece of fence in preparation for installation at the Mardi Gras grounds at Waco Avenue and Procter Street on Monday.
Mary Meaux/The News
While there is nothing new added to this year’s event there will be days of parades, musical entertainment on various stages, a kids zone, carnival, arts and crafts, vendors, food and more.
Security has always been high at the family-oriented event and this year is no different. Port Arthur Police Chief Patrick Melvin wants citizens to know they will be safe and there will be ample security.
“We are excited about Mardi Gras coming to our city once again and we are making sure to check our security so residents and others coming to town have nothing to fear,” Melvin said.
Police presence will be high during Mardi Gras.
Mary Meaux/The News
PAPD will once again have assistance from other agencies including Groves Police, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Bridge City Police, Beaumont Police, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Vidor Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, constables and likely Nederland and Port Neches police departments.
PAPD will also have its Unified Command Center on site.
In addition, members of local neighborhood watch groups will patrol the area. PAPD Detective Mike Hebert said members of the group are in constant contact with officers on scene and dispatch and have police radios.
Mardi Gras Southeast Texas kicks starts at 5 p.m. Thursday with $1 gate admission. The inexpensive ticket price for the opening day is a way to help those affected by Tropical Storm Harvey.
Music begins at 6 p.m. with Longneck Road and the Boogie Kings take the stage at 8 p.m. Gates close at 10 p.m. that night.
