Mardi Gras celebrations go back several hundred years. The term “Mardi Gras” means “Fat Tuesday” and refers to the day before Ash Wednesday – the first of the forty days of lent preceding Easter. Christians on the time customarily gave up meat and other indulgences during lent, thus “carneval” or “farewell to meat” - - became “Carnival”, a festive period when over-indulgence was in order.

The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple, gold, and green. However, Krewes (secret groups that make up the cast of characters in Mardi Gras) selected their own colors to brandish during Carnival. Kings and Queens and courts of these krewes are selected with utmost secrecy. Beads, doubloons, and other trinkets are tossed to spectators along the Mardi Gras route as “throws” – the traditional souvenirs of every Mardi Gras.

Because Mardi Gras is celebrated in various cultures around the world costumes and music vary according to location. Lake Wales has incorporated traditions from many of them including feathered costumes from Rio, Dixieland Jazz, Blues and Zydeco music, Cajun food and mask from New Orleans. Another tradition adapted from New Orleans is the Krewe of Rex as the lead Krewe in the parade escorting the Queen of Carnival and Prince of Wailes (our version of rex, King of Carnival). The Prince of Wailes is selected from the members of the Krewe of Rex. The Queen of the Carnival is selected by the hiding of the “Golden Bead” in the ceremonial “King Cake” which will be served to all the ladies present – she who finds the golden bead will take her place beside the King of Carnival.

LAKE WALES MARDI GRAS

5K GLOW RUN

This year's course is designed for speed and to eliminate road crossings. The entire race is contained on the path surrounding Lake Wailes.

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll! Get back to running and join the MOST FUN AND FESTIVE 5K in town! Light up the night with us at the Lake Wales Mardi Gras Glow Run 5K presented by SouthState Bank.

Join us for a celebration at Lake Wailes Park with food & drinks, kid’s zone, entertainment, fun post-race party, and much more!

Official Mardi Gras Glow Run t-shirt, finisher medal, and access to all activities & post-race party for all participants! The Route this year will be on the Path on the Shores around Lake Wailes.

The Lake Wales Mardi Gras Glow Run 5K is a fun way to get decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds for local charities. Put on your favorite neon get up and crack the glow sticks! Bring a team of friends, family and co-workers to run or walk, spread smiles and good cheer … and LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

The event is at beautiful Lake Wailes Park, in Lake Wales. Day of registration will be available. Plenty of parking is available at the lake. FUN! FESTIVE! FAMILY-FRIENDLY!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024 - 6 P.M.

Location: Shores around Lake Wailes

Register Here

Saturday, February 10th, 2024

Parade begins at 3:00 pm

Bring your chairs and grab a great spot early as spaces fill up quickly! 

There will be tons of activities to do all day long, so don’t miss it!

Things to bring

• Lawn chairs

• Sunscreen

• Camera

• Shade

Live Music on the Weikert Ford Stage:

Friday, February 9, 2024

Modene -5:00-5:45

Majick Toast - 6:15-7:00

B. Haven - 7:30-8:45

Phoenix 5 - 9:15 - 10:30

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Vinnie & Mikey - 12:00-12:45

On That Note - 1:15-2:00

Blake Free Band - 2:30-3:15

Parade 

Red Headed Stepchild- 4:30-5:15

Spankin’ Sadie - 5:45-6:30

Free Whiskey Band - 7:00-8:00

Black-Eyed Soozie - 8:30-10:00

Date: FEBRUARY 9-10, 2024

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024 6 P.M. TO 11:00 P.M.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2024 10:00 A.M. TO 11:00 P.M.

Location: Downtown Lake Wales

Click Here For More Information