Gulf Shores and Orange Beach cancel Mardi Gras parades but Fort Morgan hopes to roll

By Melanie LeCroy
Posted 1/20/21

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have announced the cancellation of Mardi Gras parades due to public safety concerns. Many Baldwin County cities, including Gulf Shores, made their decision to cancel in …

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Gulf Shores and Orange Beach cancel Mardi Gras parades but Fort Morgan hopes to roll

Posted

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have announced the cancellation of Mardi Gras parades due to public safety concerns. Many Baldwin County cities, including Gulf Shores, made their decision to cancel in 2020 but Orange Beach and Fort Morgan held on to the hope it might be possible for the parades to roll in 2021.

The City of Orange Beach made the tough decision Jan. 12. A statement from the city reads:

“Due to public safety concerns, the City of Orange Beach has canceled its annual Fat Tuesday parade Feb. 16, and the Mystics and Marshals’ night parades Saturday, Feb. 13.

In line with the city, The Wharf has also canceled its annual parade Monday, Feb. 15.

Mayor Tony Kennon and the City Council had hoped that parades would be able to roll in 2021 but after discussions with police, fire and our local Mardi Gras krewes, it was determined there was no way to safely hold our usual family-friendly parades.

The city looks forward to letting the good times roll in 2022.”

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores made their announcement in December, but the city is planning to have a safe alternative event in lieu of the traditional parade to keep the spirit of Mardi Gras alive in our city. The special events department is currently working on finalizing those details.

Fort Morgan

Organizers of the Fort Morgan Mardi Gras parade are hopeful their parade will roll Feb. 14. The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office has given their approval and the organization is waiting to hear from the Baldwin County Commissioners Office which does not meet until Jan. 19. Organizers are confident they will be able to pull everything together as soon as they receive approval.