Norman Mardi Gras parade seeks entries to travel through a ‘Time Warp’

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BY TAMI ALTHOFF

Published: January 6, 2009

Above: "Ship of Fools” rolls down Main Street during the 2008 Mardi Gras Parade. This year’s parade is Feb. 21. Right: Ed Kearns rides a decorated bike down Main Street during the 2008 Mardi Gras Parade. OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE PHOTOS BY JACONNA AGUIRRE

NORMAN — Norman Mardi Gras Parade organizers are seeking entries for the 15th annual parade, set to begin at 6:45 p.m. Feb. 21 in downtown Norman. This year’s theme is "Celebrating Ancient Cultures — In A Time Warp.” The family friendly event will feature bands, animals, revelers and floats.

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The 2009 King and Queen of the Mardi Gras will be state Rep. Wallace Collins and his wife Pat. The couple won last year’s Unidentified Rolling Object award for their entry "A Queen on Her Throne.” Pat Collins rode a toilet strapped to a dolly while dressed like a queen holding a plunger scepter. She was pushed by her husband and escorted by three of her sons.

"After winning such a prestigious award, it’s a great honor to be named parade king and queen,” Wallace Collins said. "We’ve taken part in several of these fun, family-oriented parades. It’s time to throw caution to the wind and have some fun, even if it means riding down Main Street on a commode.”

Individuals, families, businesses, churches and other groups are encouraged to participate. Possibilities for entries include dancing Egyptians, knights on bicycles or science fiction, parade chairman Ed Kearns said.

"Our city’s parade is a celebration of the arts and community spirit, and we expect to have a lot of fun with our new family award,” Kearns said.

Prizes will be awarded in several categories, with the best overall entry receiving the Fabulous Flanigan award, named after parade founder Jeanie Flanigan.

There is no entry fee, but preregistration is required. To register or for more information, call Kearns at 360-3279 or e-mail normanmardigras

parade@gmail.com. Registration forms also are available at the Norman Convention & Visitors Bureau, 223 E Main St.