Bo Emerson (center) plays the trumpet as he marches down Oakview Road during the 2015 Mead Rd Mardi Gras parade. File photo by Jonathan Phillips

This story has been updated. 

Mead Road Mardi Gras returns for its 5th year of fundraising this Saturday afternoon, Feb. 10, at 1 p.m.

This local Mardi Gras tradition has raised money for music and arts in City of Decatur schools, the annual parade having raised $20,000 for Decatur Education Foundation grants since 2014.

There’s heavy rain in the forecast, but the organizers say the event is rain or shine and will only be cancelled if there’s lightning in the area.

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According to a recent event announcement, this tradition has provided for new band instruments and chorus music for middle and high school students, costumes for the Decatur High School drama department, and instruments for elementary schools, such African drums for 4/5 Academy.

The parade will start at 4/5 Academy and end at The Imperial, followed by carnival festivities for the rest of the afternoon. There will be live performances from the Black Sheep Ensemble, the DHS Chorus, and the 4/5 Academy African drum students, among others.

All are welcome, and festival-goers are encouraged to wear Mardi Gras colors, beads and masks.

To stay up-to-date, visit the Mead Road Mardi Gras Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/MeadRd.MardiGras/

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