January 16, 2013, Orange Beach, AL (OBA) – With rich roots dating back to the 1700s, Mardi Gras has been a staple season of celebration on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and this Carnival season is no different. Mardi Gras parades will kick off in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on Friday, Feb. 8 and will continue through Fat Tuesday, Feb. 12.

Known for a family-friendly atmosphere, Alabama’s Mardi Gras festivities cater to any age group. Take a peek at the following parades on Pleasure Island. For updated parade information, visit the online calendar at www.gulfshores.com or www.orangebeach.com or stop by the Gulf Shores (3150 Gulf Shores Parkway) or Orange Beach (23685 Perdido Beach Blvd.) Welcome Centers for a printed schedule.

Friday, Feb. 8

Mystical Order of Mirams, the women’s Mardi Gras association of Orange Beach, will begin its annual parade at 6:30 p.m. at Wintzell’s Oyster House (24131 Perdido Beach Blvd.) and end at Highway 161 (26619 Perdido Beach Blvd.) in Orange Beach.

Saturday, Feb. 9

Mystics of Pleasure, Pleasure Island’s first nighttime parading society, will begin its annual parade at 5:30 p.m. at Wintzell’s Oyster House (24131 Perdido Beach Blvd.) and end at Zeke’s Landing Marina (27070 Perdido Beach Blvd.) in Orange Beach.

Sunday, Feb. 10

The Children’s and Pet Parade at The Wharf (23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach) will begin at 4 p.m. at the north end of Main Street. The parade is open to anyone who would like to participate.

Beginning at 6 p.m., see featured floats from area Mardi Gras krewes during the Float Parade at The Wharf (23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach) and participate in family fun and activities throughout the day. The parade will take place along Main Street at The Wharf.

Tuesday, Feb. 12 (Fat Tuesday)

The Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Highway 59 at Clubhouse Drive and end at the main public beach in Gulf Shores.

The Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade will begin at 2 p.m. at Wintzell’s Oyster House (24131 Perdido Beach Blvd.) and end at Highway 161 in Orange Beach.

The Annual LuLu’s Anniversary and Mardi Gras Celebration and Boat Parade will begin at 3 p.m. at The Wharf (23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach) and end at LuLu’s at Homeport Marina (200 East 25th Ave., Gulf Shores). Continue the fun at LuLu’s for a post parade party for great food, live music and more for the whole family to enjoy.

For more information on this family beach destination or Mardi Gras, visit www.gulfshores.com or www.orangebeach.com.