Mardi Gras Upriver Celebration Feb. 5-7 in Historic Jefferson, Texas

Mardi Gras is just around the corner. And you don't have to drive all the way to New Orleans to partake in the lively celebration. You can load up your family and friends and take the short drive to Jefferson, Texas, and enjoy Mardi Gras from a historical town that has some strong cultural ties to New Orleans in its past.

According to historians, the reason Mardi Gras is celebrated has a lot to do with the connection of the two towns by way of the Big Cypress Bayou, Caddo Lake, 12 Mile Bayou and the Red River. Local Texas newspapers referenced archived events such as the Queen Mab Ball and private parties held on boats that traveled from Jefferson to Shreveport, La., back in the day.

When the economy crashed in the late 1800s so did Jefferson's cultural way of living. But in 1990 the Mardi Gras celebration returned and since that time it has grown in popularity and continues to grow, today bringing people in from all across the region.

So come join the party February 5-7 for the Mardi Gras Upriver Celebration and make sure to wear your best Mardi Gras costume and enjoy live music on Friday with The Night Hawk Band at 6PM and the Doo Dah Parade beginning at 7PM. Then on Saturday, a motorcycle parade begins at 1:45PM leading up to the Grand Parade at 2PM with the Krewe of Hebe States on Parade.

Live music starts at 3PM with Michael Hix and the awards ceremony begins at 4:30PM followed by country singer/songwriter Davin James. Then at 8:30PM, the featured entertainer Cody Canada and The Departed will hit the main stage.

The Mardi Gras Upriver Celebration wraps up on Sunday with lots of children activities including a kid's costume contests, children's carnival, live music, arts and crafts and plenty of great food all weekend long. There's even some contest and activities for your furry friends!

For more information and schedule of events visit the website Mardi Gras Upriver.