UPDATE: Mardi Gras Parade 2016 Schedule Announcement

UPDATE: “The Mardi Gras Parade is a GO!” organizers said Tuesday on their Facebook page. Staging starts at 5:30 p.m. and the parade starts at 7 p.m.

Parade organizers were nervously eyeing the forecast Tuesday due to a forecast that included snow and rain but Arlington on Tuesday has only seen a bit of rain and a few flakes fall. The Weather Channel says temperatures will be in the mid-30s, above freezing, during the parade.

Some school systems are closing all after-school activities after 6:15 p.m. due to worries about icy roads.

ARLINGTON, VA -- Get ready to let the good times roll.

The 17th Annual Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade… and the First-Ever Mardi Gras Ball take place Tuesday in Arlington. The Mardi Gras parade gets underway at 7 p.m. and is the largest in the DC area and is expecting 50 parade entrants this year. The Mardi Gras Ball, which will be held from 7-11 p.m. at the Clarendon Ballroom is a ticketed event.

No word yet on whether the weather forecast may impact the festivities.

Parade info

• 2016 Mardi Gras Parade Order
• General info for parade participants
• Staging Information

Mardi Gras ball details

The music lineup features Yamomanem Jazz Band and 8 Ohms Band. Between sets, the King and Queen of the Ball will be announced. The ball will feature traditional Louisiana food, and a variety of beverages. Parade participants can get discounted ball tickets, and for Parade participants with cars or floats, parking is available at the St. Charles Borromeo Church, one block from the Clarendon Ballroom. Proceeds help offset parade costs and also benefit St. Charles Church.

The Clarendon Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade is a family-friendly event, organizers said. Thousands of local residents and visitors will line the parade route along Wilson Boulevard from N. Barton Street to Washington Boulevard.

Participating in the parade is a great way to have fun–participants can wear masks and throw stuff at people. What’s not to like? (And it also happens to be a wonderful and inexpensive way to showcase your group, business, musical talents or whatever else, to cheering throngs).

Mardi Gras Ball Tickets can be purchased in advance, and will also be sold at the door.