Another record Mardi Gras for Eunice This year. This years activities began with the Mardi Gras Interpretive Program held at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park on Saturday February 9 then the Liberty Theater Show was held later in the evening. Also during the day were Mardi Gras films & exhibits held at the Eunice Museum. There were also jam sessions held during the day in downtown Eunice. The annual Mardi Gras dance was held that night at St. Thomas More Hall.

   Sunday February 10 was the annual "Old Time Boucherie" held at the Eunice City Hall area. The Eunice Children's Mardi Gras Run was also held Sunday. There was a record number of children that participated in the run. Last count was over 600 children registered for the run. There was also a record crowd in the downtown area for the Boucherie.

   Monday February 11 held a jam session downtown with a street dance held later in the evening. At noon there was a slide show on the variety of the Cajun Mardi Gras held at the Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center.

   Mardi Gras day, Tuesday February 12, 2002 was by far the best ever for Eunice. The weather was perfect (we couldn't have ordered better weather) and the turnout was by far the biggest ever. People came from all over the country and we even had many visitors from other countries. Music, food and refreshments flowed all day long. Estimates of 40,000 to 60,000 were assembled in downtown Eunice on Mardi Gras day. During the parade, all you could see were people assembled north, south, east and west. People through the day listened to the music of La Bande Feufollet, J. C. Carriere & Hot Step, Paul Daigle & Cajun Gold Steve and Riley & The Mamou Playboys. Many had a chance to try a sample of the Worlds Largest King Cake. There were some of the best cajun foods available at the festival. At 3:00 pm the Courir De Mardi Gras rode into town which began the expected parade. The unofficial count for the run was upwards of around around 2,500 participants. The crowds were well behaved as were all the Mardi Gras run participants. Everyone had a great Mardi Gras celebration. If you missed this years Courir De Mardi Gras, make plans to be with us for the 2003 Mardi Gras.

See you next year............