Taster's Choice leads off Mardi Gras calendar

Mardi Gras begins in Eunice Wednesday night with the annual Taster’s Choice benefit for the Community Clinic.
More than 30 chefs will compete in a taste-testing eat-off to win the coveted champion’s title.
Tickets are $25 for the event which starts at 6:30 p.m. at LSU Eunice. Music will be by the Jason Frey Band.
As the carnival season unfolds beginning Friday, officials urge party-goers to exercise good judgment while enjoying themselves.
No. 1 on the no-no list is drinking to excess and driving. Just don’t do it.
On Friday, activities get into full swing.
Shane Bellard & Recontile will be at Rocky’s Cajun Kitchen from 6- 9 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. at Lakeview Park Jason Frey & Laginappe and Feufollet will provide entertainment.
From 9 to midnight at Ruby’s Restaurant’s dance hall Karmick Soul will perform.
From 8 p.m. until midnight Bernie Allen and band will play for the public dance on Second Street.
Saturday it’s Mardi Gras all day downtown.
The events include:
3 p.m. music program at the Jean Lafitte Center
4 p.m. A food demonstration will be held at Jean Lafitte Center
6 p.m. at Rockys’ Cajun Kitchen Fred Charlie & Acadiana Cajuns will perform.
6- 7:30 p.m. at the Liberty Theater for the “Rendez-vous des Cajun” Music Radio/TV show there will be a performance by Jambalaya Cajun Band, and Basile Mardi Gras Association will be part of a program. Tickets $5 at the door for general admission seating.
At 7:30 p.m. at the public stage at Walnut & South 2nd The Paul & Pete Band will play.
7:30 p.m. at Lakeview there will be a barn dance with Pine Leaf Boys, Horace Trahan & Ossun Express
8 p.m. at Ruby’s Restaurant dance hall Wallace Trahan & Rice & Gravy will perform
Sunday, March 2 events:
9 a.m. Children’s Mardi Gras run, leaves Eunice Recreational Center Complex at 461 Sittig Rd.
Downtown Eunice, at S. Second St. and Park Ave., at 10 a.m. an Old Time Boucherie will be held, and along S. Second street there will be plenty of Arts & Crafts, and food vendors available.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fred Charlie & the Acadiana Cajuns on the stage at Walnut & Second.
11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., there will be a street dance with Ryan Simon & Acadien
3 p.m., The Children’s Mardi Gras run will arrive downtown.
6 p.m. at Rocky’s Cajun Kitchen, Ricky Dodd & Second Tyme Round will perform.
7:30 p.m. at Lakeview Park, Kyle Huval & the Dixie Club Ramblers and The Revelers will perform.
Monday, March 3 events:
Noon at Jean Lafitte Center Dr. Barry Ancelet’s presentation of the history of rural Mardi Gras.
1 to 3:30 p.m. at Northwest Community Center the Council on Aging will host a Mardi Gras Dance with Big J & Zydeco Dog Pound providing entertainment.
7 p.m.-until, Jamie Bergeron & the Kickin Cajuns, Walnut & 2nd stage.
8 p.m. at Ruby’s Dance hall Don Fontenot & Friends of Louisiana will perform.
9 p.m. at Lakeview Park there will be a barn dance with Steve Riley and Mamou Playboys performing.
Tuesday, March 4:
8 a.m. Mardi Gras run will leave at Northwest Center
10 a.m. Downtown Second Street, arts and crafts, food, music and live dancing at the Park Ave. stage
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Donny Broussard & Louisiana Stars, Walnut & 2nd stage.
On the Park Avenue stage:
10 a.m. Plaquemine Brulee Band.
1 p.m. Paul Daigle & Cajun Gold
3 p.m. Truck parade followed by Courir de Mardi Gras arrives in downtown Eunice.
4 to 6 p.m. Steve Riley and The Mamou Playboys will perform
5 p.m. at Rocky’s Cajun Kitchen, Paul Daigle & Cajun Gold will perform
6 p.m. at Rubys Restaurant dance hall, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie Band will perform