Unique Mardi Gras parade takes over downtown Athens
Published 8:50 am Saturday, March 8, 2025
Justin Travis | The News Courier. Pastor Jerome Malone, left, and Athens Arts League President Holly Hollman lead the Mardi Gras parade Monday, March 3.
Justin Travis | The News Courier. From left; Athens police officer Michael Stainbrook, Athens Police Chief Anthony Pressnell and his wife Tara Pressnell pose for a picture with APD's Mardi Gras float Monday, March 3.
Justin Travis | The News Courier. The Rocket City Starlets pose for a picture in their Mardi Gras themed outfits Monday, March 3.
Justin Travis | The News Courier. The Birdie Thornton Center representatives pose for a picture with their Mardi Gras float Monday, March 3.
Justin Travis | The News Courier. An Athens family poses for a picture after making Mardi Gras masks at city hall Monday, March 3.
Justin Travis | The News Courier. A young boy drops off canned food prior to the Mardi Gras parade Monday, March 3.
Justin Travis | The News Courier. Local kids create their own Mardi Gras masks prior to the annual parade Monday, March 3.
Justin Travis | The News Courier. An Athens Arts League volunteer helps a little girl pick out her beads for the Mardi Gras parade Monday, March 3.
Justin Travis | The News Courier. A local kid watches along as he learns how to make his own Mardi Gras mask Monday, March 3.
Due to the threat of severe weather and heavy rainfall on Fat Tuesday, March 4, the city of Athens moved its annual Mardi Gras parade to Monday, March 3 — and it still captured the vibrant sounds and colors that make the holiday special.
Presented by Athens Arts League, this year’s festivities took on a unique twist. Floats from various city departments and organizations were handcrafted from creatively decorated shopping carts that were donated from Lowe’s to the nonprofit art organization that is dedicated to promoting art education and bringing cultural events to Limestone County.
“We were a little concerned that us moving it would impact the crowd, but it was such a joy to see all of the people that still came out,” Athens Arts League President Holly Hollman told The News Courier. “It was an excited crowd that made the parade that much more enjoyable. To be able to do an event that is not only family friendly for all of the participants, but it gives back to the community, is just marvelous to be a part of.”
Hollman said the Mardi Gras parade was not only an enjoyable celebration to be a part of, but it was also an opportunity for the community to band together and give to those in need. According to Hollman, the event successfully raised more than $3,000 worth of canned food which was generously donated to Limestone County Churches Involved’s food pantry.
“The shopping carts have become our quirky little niche for Mardi Gras, but it works because of the canned food drive,” Hollman said. “Last year, we received about $2,800 worth of canned food, so to increase that this year means more families we can help. We’ve been fortunate enough to increase that amount each year, but with grocery prices continuing to rise, this event for the community really meant a lot. Our goal is always to celebrate the arts, but we also want to do our best to help others.”
Prior to the parade, Athens Arts League hosted a Mardi Gras mask-making event at city hall. With the help of volunteers with the Mayor’s Youth Commission, dozens of children crafted their own masks — which they wore as they as they watched the parade wind its way around the Limestone County Courthouse.
“Athens Arts League has always been committed to having activities for the youth to enjoy,” Hollman said. “It’s a way for them to express their creativity, but it is also a valuable way for them to feel like they are a part of the event itself. If we can find a way to celebrate the arts, while also educating the youth and helping others in our community, then I know we have done our jobs right. That trifecta is what we are all about, and the Mardi Gras parade was the perfect example of that.”
