The 2018 Mardi Gras celebration in Pinckneyville is off and running, with two full days of food, vendors, a car show, the annual marching band competition, the Light Up The Night parade and much more.
Follow this schedule and you won't miss a beat.
Friday, Oct. 26
11 a.m. Food court opens. Vendors on Walnut Street, seating available.
1:30 p.m. Children's Parade. Begins and ends on Mulberry Street. In case of inclement weather, contact your child's school.
3-6 p.m. Refreshments on the courthouse lawn. On the south side of the lawn, free hot dogs, courtesy of Kim Kellerman's office.
6 p.m. Business Trick or Treat. At the grade school east playground, 301 W. Mulberry St.
6 p.m. Judging for Best Decorated Business Table
6:30 p.m. Costume Contest Judging. Age groups are 0-23 months; 2-4 years; 5-7 years; 8-10 years; 11-13 years. Group category can have adults, but groups must have at least one child 13 or under.
6-11 p.m. Masquerade Party. At the Perry County Fairgrounds. Live auction, costume prizes, raffle; music by Downstate Music Company. $45; for tickets, call/text (618) 525-3286. Proceeds benefit Grandstand/Community Building Project. Number of tickets limited.
Saturday, Oct. 27
6-11 a.m. Lions Club pancake breakfast. At the Lions Den on Douglas Street. Pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk, juice. $7/$3 for those under 12.
8 a.m.-3 p.m. Mardi Gras Vendor Fair and Food Court. On South Walnut and Mulberry streets.
8 a.m.-3 p.m. 50/50 raffle ticket sales. Go to the Chamber tent on South Walnut Street to buy tickets; last year's winner took home $19,531. $1 buys one ticket; $5 for 6 tickets.
9 a.m. Pinckneyville Fall Classic 8K Run/5K Walk. At the Perry County Fairgrounds. $20 entry fee/$25 on Saturday. Day-of registration is 7:30-8:45 a.m. Post-race will have attendance prizes, refreshments and awards. Register at www.pyramidrunningclub.com.
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Pinckneyville Hospital Family Fun Area. In front of the chamber. Free popcorn and bouncy houses.
9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Pinckneyville Mardi Gras Car Show. Near the grade school, 301 W. Mulberry St. (enter from Mill Street). $20 to be in the judging; $10 to display vehicle only. Overflow parking available at First Baptist Church.
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Center Court activities, between City Hall and the Fire Station.
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Zydeco Crawdaddies on the main stage in the Center Court.
11 a.m. Precious Pumpkin Contest awards, in the Center Court.
1 p.m. Kids Games, Prizes. Held outside the Chamber office.
1:30-5 p.m. Marching Band Field Competition. At Pinckneyville High School, 600 E. Water St. 11 high school bands will compete in the annual field competition.
2 p.m. Perry County Humane Society dog show, Center Court.
7 p.m. Mardi Gras Parade, "Light Up The Night." Starts at West Park and South Mill streets, with fireworks, bands, floats and more. Drawing for the 50/50 raffle winner at the end of the parade.
