Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras will host a bead giveaway on January 30 and a virtual parade on February 6 to celebrate the 2021 carnival season.

“Due to Covid restrictions, we weren’t able to have our traditional Kids and Kritters Parade,” says Elizabeth Hewson, president of the Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Board. “We didn’t want the kids to miss an entire carnival season, so we have two events for them.”

The bead giveaway will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. January 30, in the Casino Beach parking lot adjacent to the Pensacola Beach Visitor’s Information Center. Mardi Gras goodie bags for kids and pets will be set out on decorated tables outdoors for the grab-and-go event. Masks and social distancing are encouraged.

“Kids and pet owners can come up, grab a goodie bag and open it in their car or at home. There will be no reason to linger or gather,” Hewson says.

The Kids and Kritters Virtual Parade will be a compilation of photos, videos and music to substitute for the traditional in-person procession. To participate, parents and pet owners can email a photo of their costumed child or pet to [email protected]. The virtual parade will go live at 2 p.m. February 6, on the Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Facebook page and website.

The bead giveaway and virtual parade are free of charge, compliments of Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras and Gulf Breeze Animal Hospital. 

For more information, visit PensacolaBeachMardiGras.com or the Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Facebook page.