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Islanders gear up for 14th annual Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade

The parade will take place 11 a.m. Saturday at Whitecap Beach.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — According to this year's Barefoot Mardi Gras Event Director, Elaine Motl, the local Coastal Bend spin on the famous holiday started 14 years ago as a backyard bash.

"Mardi Gras is a celebration of Padre Island," Motl said. "Getting families and friends out on the beach to celebrate our own type of Mardi Gras which is barefoot."

Now a tradition on North Padre Island, the attraction brings out thousands of spectators which help boost the island's economy.

"Barefoot Mardi Gras has turned into something that creates an economic impact on Padre Island. We have visitors coming from the valley, from San Antonio area. We've documented people from Tyler, Houston, Dallas." said Motl.

She said there will be close to 80 floats this year from walking groups to golf carts, even horses!

David "DC" Ratcliff and Kaylinn Paxton are this year's Barefoot Mardi Gras royalty.

"It's definitely family friendly and kid friendly, so bring everybody," Ratcliff said. "The weather is supposed to be a beautiful 75 degrees Saturday morning," Ratcliff said.

Not only does Barefoot Mardi Gras bring the excitement of the French Quarter to our beach, but organizers also said they will be raising money for the Sea Life Center and Operation Home Again. 

"Really excited and really thankful and again this about raising money for great causes," Ratcliff said.

Credit: BFMG
Parade Route

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