DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Downtown Dothan is preparing for a full day of Mardi Gras celebrations as the Krewe of Kolosse Parade returns Saturday, Feb. 14.
The parade is set to roll out at 3 p.m. from the Garden District and travel through downtown before ending along St. Andrews Street. Organizers say the event is expected to draw large crowds throughout the afternoon and evening.
Festivities will begin well before the first float rolls. A pre-parade festival featuring the largest downtown vendor footprint in the city’s history will open at 12:30 p.m., with food and retail vendors set up across the downtown area.
Live entertainment begins at Porter Park at 2:30 p.m. with DJ Marcus Kage. Local band Grass Roots will take the stage at 4:15 p.m. and perform until the first parade float reaches St. Andrews Street.
Several crowd activities are also planned. A sausage toss competition will take place at 3:30 p.m. on St. Andrews Street, with a case of Kelley Sausage awarded to the winner. At 4 p.m., organizers will crown Mr. and Mrs. Mardi Gras Dothan. Winners will also receive tickets to see Collective Soul at the Dothan Civic Center in April.
Multiple downtown businesses will host Mardi Gras-themed events and VIP parties throughout the day, including Rain Dothan, The Thirsty Pig Craft Beer Taproom, and The Uptown. Several restaurants and coffee shops downtown will also remain open during the festivities.
After the parade, celebrations will continue with the annual MKOH After Party featuring Trout Line at The Plant. Organizers note the event typically sells out. Rain Dothan will also host an additional after-party and remain open once The Plant closes.
Parking lot and road closures will be in effect throughout downtown on Saturday. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, follow posted signage, and use alternate routes.
The parking lot across from Rain Dothan next to The Uptown will be closed from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. The Dothan Civic Center upper and lower parking lots near Liddon Furniture will close at 6 p.m. Friday and remain closed until 9 p.m. Saturday.
Several downtown streets will be closed to all traffic from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, including Troy Street, Washington Street, Crawford Street, Burdeshaw Street, and Adams Street between Appletree Street and Foster Street.
Officials say additional updates, maps, and closure details will be shared ahead of parade day through the City of Dothan Government and the Krewe of Kolosse social media pages.
