GALVESTON IS MARCHING TO THE BEAT: It’s Mardi Gras time on the island

By Forest Riggs ––

After a little cold snap that dampened some early festivities, the parades, music and partying for Mardi Gras 2025 kicked off on February 21. Friday evening saw downtown streets crowded with anxious revelers as the Downtown Umbrella Brigade kicked off the 14 days of celebrations. Those famous colors — purple, gold and green — were displayed everywhere and strings of beads flew like scrambling wild birds. A little chilly, but nevertheless, tremendous fun.

Since the late 1800s, Galvestonians have celebrated Mardi Gras with great enthusiasm and fervor. The celebrations stopped for a while (war years), however favorite island son and billionaire, George Mitchell, in his infinite wisdom and plans for a “rebirth” of Galveston, revitalized the Mardi Gras celebrations in 1985. Since that time, the Galveston Mardi Gras has grown and expanded to be one of the largest in the United States, second only to New Orleans! Folks come from all over to attend the balls, parades, parties and concerts. With the growth of the event, many top-name entertainers have come to the various stages around the downtown parade route area. It all makes for a huge party!

Locals and visitors arrive early and set up along the parade routes. The Seawall and 25th Street remain the most popular destinations to view the parade, catch beads and even enjoy some private house/garden parties. Of course, the nighttime parades are considered the most fun and draw thousands. Families line the sidewalks and median, complete with light wrapped trees and flickering lights. Street vendors roll their bright carts up and down the route selling everything from glow sticks and balloons to feathered masks and bags of cotton candy. It’s a real carnival atmosphere. Children scramble to catch beads and pick up the ones that hit the ground. It’s like a Mardi Gras calf scramble and everyone is shot out of shoot number one!

The big Momus night parade (March 1) is the best. All Krewes participate and as the parade makes its way down 25th Street towards downtown, the beads and trinkets really start flying. Many hang on the arms of Lady Victory Statue and tree limbs for months — a symbol of the frivolity that took place. The night of Fat Tuesday (March 4) was the blow out event. There were balcony parties, bands playing music, more parades and floats, as well as throngs of people grabbing for beads and circling the block to catch it all over again. Remember, Fat Tuesday is the night to get all the craziness out of your system, as the next day, Ash Wednesday begins Lent, a time to reflect and “give up” things that bring you down on your journey. A good practice no matter what belief system. Mardi Gras is all about having a good time and sharing that with others.

And March has arrived, windy and wet. Other than being aware and weary of the Ides of March, not much happening except for St. Patrick’s Day, which brings a lot of fun and green to the island. In fact, a fun thing to catch is the Jerry Eubank Angel Fund benefit, scheduled this year at Lucky Lounge (904 Ave. M) on March 15 from 2 ’til 5 p.m. The Pot O’ Gold Party and Fundraiser is always a blast with bingo, raffles, silent auction, food and lots of Green Beer.

Its namesake, Jerry Eubank, was a great supporter of the community along with her husband Mike, and always participated in any event that would benefit community residents. When she died suddenly a few years ago, the Angel Fund was created in her name. The fund assists folks in all sorts of ways from rent, medicines, pet food, funeral expenses, bills and just about any way that can help a community member in need. The event is a lot of fun and participants are encouraged to wear the green! Jerry smiles down from heaven at this event each year.

SAD GOODBYES

Being a close-knit community, there is great sadness when a local passes away. The past few weeks have seen a few huge losses in the ranks.

Bobby Boyd, a long-time island resident and well-known character, passed away on January 26 after a lengthy illness. Bobby, sometimes a bit cantankerous, was much loved and respected. He was a quiet man who enjoyed his solitude and a good drink. Both he and his excellent potato salad will be missed.

On February 14, Chase Barnes died from a medical emergency. Chase was a beautiful young man who brought much to the island. With his winning smile and handsome looks, he was a top bartender in some of the community’s clubs. He attended UTMB School of Nursing and became a top-notch ICU nurse, as well as taking time out to serve in the military. Chase was a tender and kind soul who could not pass up helping a stray animal or someone in need. He shines brightly in the heavens.

Then on February 16, the community lost Larry Janzen, a much loved and respected island florist. Larry always wore a smile and had a kind word for anyone he encountered. Like his floral creations, he was legend and will be sorely missed.
Remember these and other great souls that graced our lives, if for only for a short while.

Forest Riggs lives in Galveston. His book, ‘Galveston Memories and Related Stories’ is available at Amazon.com, OutSkirtsPress.com and ForestRiggs.com.

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