The Gulf Coast Carnival Association parade begins at 1 p.m. in downtown Biloxi, with dozens of units and marching groups, and Biloxi Police are reminding paradegoers that streets along the parade route will begin closing at noon.
Theme of this year’s parade is “Extra! Extra!” with a nod to newspaper headlines from epic events through time. King D’Iberville and Queen Ixolib and the Royal Court were formally presented to the public during a coronation Monday night at the Coast Coliseum, and the two rulers will parade this afternoon before thousands along the 2.8-mile parade route that winds its way through downtown Biloxi.
“The best advice we have for people is to remember it’s going to be chilly, so dress warm,” said Biloxi Police Chief John Miller. “Don’t get in a rush. There’s going to be a lot of traffic. It’s going to be slow moving coming into the parade and leaving afterward, so be patient.”
Miller said more than 100 officers from Biloxi and neighboring jurisdictions will be working along the parade route. “Everybody is on duty today,” Miller said, “and they’re all working the parade, except for the current patrol shift and the oncoming patrol shift.” Biloxi firefighters, also trained in administering First Aid, will be working along the route.
Major thoroughfares near the parade route, including I-110 south of Division, will begin closing at noon, and U.S. 90 south of downtown will reduce to two-lane traffic at 12:30 p.m.
“People should plan on arriving early,” Miller said, “because once those streets are closed, you’ll have to do plenty of walking.”
The chief also asked for parade-goers to remain vigilant. “If you see something that doesn’t look right, report it to the nearest officer. If you find a lost child, bring them to the nearest officer, and, finally, please plan on having a fun and safe Mardi Gras.”
See the parade route, with restrooms and First Aid stations
Be safe before, during and after parade
