Calling all krewes: the Vicksburg Main Street Program is looking for volunteers to participate in downtown Vicksburg’s 15th annual Mardi Gras Parade.

The parade will be Feb. 6, at 4 p.m, and all area clubs, churches, organizations, schools, drill teams and businesses are invited to take part in the community parade.

The deadline to submit an application to participate in the parade is Wednesday. The fee is $25 for non-profit and civic groups and $50 for businesses. After Wednesday, the fee is $50 for non-profit and civic groups and $100 for businesses.

It’s time for catching beads, king cake, fantastic masks, flamboyant costumes, stars, floats and best of all parades, said Kim Hopkins, Main Street executive director.

Hopkins said for the most part, the parade will be similar to ones in years past.

“It’s a fun day for everybody to bring their families out,” she said. “A lot of people come out then go to the Southern Cultural Heritage Center for the Carnaval de Mardi Gras.”

This year, Hopkins is hoping the parade will be bigger and better than ever.

“We do have a lot of different participants in the parade,” she said. “We have people coming from Jackson, several new businesses and the YMCA is participating.”

Hopkins said she thinks many people will be excited about the royalty this year, king Jay Hopson and queen Pat Hemphill.

“We have a great king and queen, and I think we’ll have a lot of people come out to support them,” she said.

As usual, the parade begins at Washington and Belmont streets and will travel North on Washington Street to Jackson Street.

For more information, contact the Vicksburg Main Street Program at 601-634-4527, email Kim Hopkins at kimh@vicksburg.org, or visit www.downtownvicksburg.org.

Those looking to get a head start on the festivities can join Karen Biedenharn Feb. 5, at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center for a Kids Mardi Gras Mask Workshop.

“Join us to create a fun and colorful mask before enjoying the parade the next day in downtown Vicksburg,” she said. “The workshop is a great way for kids to celebrate the Mardi Gras holiday in a fun and creative way.”

The workshop will begin at 3:45 p.m. and last until 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per child, ages 6 and older.

Space is limited. For reservations or more information, please call the SCHF business office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.