2026 Valdosta Mardi Gras Festival Parade Information
Presented by Krewe de Fondatrice

Please join us for the Inaugural Valdosta Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

For your convenience, we have enclosed a parade application and a liability release form. The entry fees are listed below, along with our contact information if you have any questions.

Unlimited spots available

FEES, RULES & REGULATIONS

ABOUT THE APPLICATION:

We’re excited that you want to join us for the Greater Valdosta 2026 Mardi Gras Festival Parade! This year’s theme, On the Wave of a Dream, promises to bring all the magic of seascapes and oceanic myths to life, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

To make things even easier, we’ve introduced a new online application and payment process, so you can register and pay by credit card in just a few clicks! If you’re unable to pay online, don’t worry—email us at valdostamardigras@gmail.com, and we’ll help you with other options.

Deadline: January 9, 2026, 5:00 pm (EDT)
Date: February 14, 2026, 6:00 pm (EDT) (time is subject to change)
Theme: On the Wave of a Dream- Depicting seascapes and oceanic myths.

Please remember this year’s theme. Everyone riding on a float or walking must wear colorful clothing or costumes. Use your creativity and imagination to highlight your group. (Dressing festively)

Entry fee schedule:

  • School Marching Bands/Dance Teams: $No Charge
  • Walking Units: $ 50.00
  • Churches/Businesses: $ 75.00
  • Motorcycles/Jeeps/Golf Carts, etc. One per entry $ 75.00,/li>

    Describe your Krewe (group) or float with your application for TV announcers and emcees.

    The following rules and regulations are created to protect the safety of you and the parade viewing audience.  Maintaining the integrity of the Mardi Gras traditions helps distinguish the Krewe as an organization we can all be proud of.  Your adherence to these rules and regulations and enforcement thereof is the responsibility of every member, as the general public’s impression of the Krewe is a reflection of you.

    Terms & Conditions

    • Parade entry fees are non-refundable. If you pay with a check and the check is returned NSF you will incur the fees.
    • The driver of each vehicle must be a qualified, licensed, and insured driver 21 years of age or older. Proof of insurance must be shown to the parade organizer and kept in the vehicle at all times during the parade. 
    • During the parade, vehicles must maintain a safe distance from the preceding unit. 
    • We require that all floats and vehicles be decorated depicting the selected theme. 
    • Riders are not to ride in abnormal positions. No standing or sitting on float walls, vehicle roofs, or hoods.
    • Burnouts or stunts are prohibited.
    • Trailers must have wheel covers or fenders to participate.
    • Participants must keep their hands and legs inside floats, vehicles, or trailers.
    • The parade committee has the right to inspect all units before and during the parade. 
    • Any float that appears to be unsafe or malfunctioning will be removed from the parade.
    • Smoking/Vaping aboard the floats is strictly prohibited during the parade. 
    • Due to obvious safety concerns, glass bottles or drink containers are strictly prohibited.  This includes glass throws. 
    • For safety purposes, carry a fire extinguisher on your float. Walking groups will not need one. 
    • Riders observed throwing items with intent to harm, meaning unnecessary hard throwing or beaming at spectators will be removed from the float on the spot.
    • No throwing of hard shaft items. i.e., spears or tomahawks. 
    • Promotional throws, banners, or flyers containing information relating to political, commercial, religious, personal, sexual, or racial are strictly prohibited.  
    • No sexually explicit blow-up dolls, condoms, or other prophylactic devices or items of a sexual nature. 
    • Bullhorns or any other voice-amplifying devices (except approved sound systems) are prohibited on floats during the parade. 
    • Excessive use of profanity or obscenities directed at spectators or any person on the parade route will result in removal. 
    • DO NOT throw trash off your float or out of your vehicle. Discard appropriately before or after the parade.
    • NO ALCOHOL is allowed in the parade. Bottled water or canned drinks are allowed.

    Lineup and Check-In:

    • Lineup begins at 4:00 PM and ends at 5:30 PM. The parade starts promptly at 6:00 PM.
    • 5:30 PM last minute meeting/adjustments with float captains, emcees, etc. 
    • Walking groups must have a Krewe representative check in. Walking up behind a float without checking in is not allowed. You must check in to be directed to your position. Without checking in, you won’t be announced and will disrupt the parade order.
    • For the safety and security of everyone, all chaperones need to be in tops that are easily identified as being with the Krewe they are walking with.
    • No participant may undertake any dangerous or noxious activities in the parade.

    Parade Route:

    • Enter the parade from VSU Patterson Street
    • Turn right onto Valley and left onto Oak to disperse at the end of the parade.
    • A scheduled stop will be at the mayor’s box for judging and photo ops. This area is designated by a set of bleachers with announcers and special guests located near the Tax Commissioner building on Patterson.

    Float Judging Criteria:

    • Floats will be judged on Overall Appearance, Special Effects (lighting), Creativity, and the use of the theme.
    • All entries must reflect the theme, except the Marching Bands and their dance teams. Decorative lighting is encouraged.
    • The winner will be given a free float entry for the following year and a plaque for display.

    During the Parade:

    • All entries must keep moving forward except for one stop at the mayor's box.
    • This applies to walking groups, marching bands, dance teams, and performing groups.
    • Violations, like causing gaps in the parade, will lead to removal and disqualification from future parades.

    Pageant Winners:

    • Pageant winners may join the parade if they provide their own convertible or float, pay the entry fee, and have a professionally printed sign.

    Candy Distribution:

    • Throwing candy from floats is not allowed. You may throw packaged moon pies or ramen noodles.
    • Throwing beads: Remove from plastic wrap and discard appropriately. No full bags of beads are to be thrown. 

    Signage Requirements:

    • Each entry will be given an identification number. This number is to be placed on both sides or the front of the float; this will be used for judging and announcing.
    • Handwritten signs are not allowed; signs must look professional for attendees and media to easily read.

    Music:

    • Music must be appropriate for all ages. Vulgar or inappropriate music will result in immediate removal from the parade.

    Vehicle Guidelines:

    • Semi-trucks can only pull one trailer.
    • Enclosed cars are not allowed, except with prior approval or those pulling a float.