By Lynne Adams Bazre’

“Claiborne Street is a-rockin, From-a one side to the other, The joints are jamming, packin’, And I’m about to smother

All because it’s Carnival Time.”

Yes, the mood is in the air. The quotation above is from the famous Mardi Gras theme song “Carnival Time”

by Mr. Al ‘Carnival Time’ Johnson. It sets the festive mood of the Mardi Gras Season that resonates with most residents of Pearl River County.

The celebration was brought out of European tradition to the deep south in 1703 and has been ingrained into the souls of southern residents ever since.

The music, costumes, food, parades, krewes, and souvenirs have been found in the estate treasures of every caste and community since then.

Picayune is a certified retirement community, which means some of our citizens might not care to travel miles from home to enjoy this great time of year.

So, in consideration of that, we have founded our own local organization to support that aura of festivities and fun that is also close to home.

The Krewe of the Pearl was organized in 2011 and held its first parade in 2012. Moving ahead with great enthusiasm and energy, the Krewe held its first formal ball in 2013.

The Krewe has grown exponentially since then and now holds many enjoyable local activities throughout the year.

The Krewe of the Pearl members have mentioned another advantage of having this local carnival club. The parade riders have noticed many grandparents that are sharing and creating Mardi Gras memories since they can bring their grandkids to the fun. With the close, easy to approach parade route, no one is denied the fun activity of the Mardi Gras season.

The 2017 formal ball will be held at the Mississippi Mall on February 4th, tickets are still available and it is open to the general public.

The 2017 parade, on February 11th, welcomes smaller clubs, floats and riders, private bands and marching groups. For more information about routes and times you can call me at 601-273-1057.