800 to 1,000 runners expected for Courir de Mardi Gras

By Harlan Kirgan
Editor
The Eunice Mardi Gras celebration began Friday evening on a chilly note, which is expected to last through the big party on Tuesday.
The Eunice Mardi Gras Association makes its run rain or shine and this year it will be doing its ride through the country despite a chill in the air.
“Looks good,” said Pat Frey, association captain. “The weather is going to be pretty according to what they are saying. Sunny, but a little chilly.”
Frey expects 800 to 1,000 participants on the run that starts at 8 a.m. at the Northwest Community Center. Registration begins at 6 a.m.
Runners are charged $30, which includes a 12-pack of beer, boudin, gumbo and membership in the association.
Frey said runners must be at least 18 years old and be at least 21 years old for the beer. Identification is checked, he said.
And, runners must be fully costumed.
There are some trailer spots left, Frey said. Contact Frey on Monday at 337-457-8173 or 337-580-1439 to register a trailer spot.
The party opened Friday evening with the bands Plaquemine Brulee followed by Wayne Toups.
On Saturday morning, T-Monde launched the weekend celebration.
Second Street was fairly quiet Saturday morning as most people were bundled up against the chill. By noon clouds were parting.
Louisa Reddell and Susan Boudreaux were staying warm with a propane-fueled heater where they were selling Connie’s Creation handmade dolls on 2nd Street.
Carl and Emmeline Claudet, of Baton Rouge, were the lone dancers as T-Monde performed.
And, inside the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, a family group from Bucyrus, Missouri, were making Mardi Gras masks and the cone-shaped capuchons.
“We come down every two or three years just to spend a few days especially around Eunice,” David Harmon said.
“We like the food. We like the people. We just enjoy it,” he said as his granddaughter, Amy, tried her hand at making a capuchon.
Festivities today begin with a children’s run at 9 a.m. and an Old Time Boucherie at 9:30 a.m. The day’s opening band is Ryan Simon and Acadien.