January and February, 2008:
Lake Wales Mardi Gras!
The Historic District of Lake Wales is Florida's place to be during the pre-lenten exuberance of
Mardi Gras. This
home-grown, city-wide festival is an authentic outpouring of the spirit of this
most colorful of seasons. Masquerade parties and fanciful formal balls, and incredible parades of
costumed maskers and artistically-creative floats are manifestations of the carnival
season each year. A series of ticketed Masquerade Balls sponsored by the Krewes
over a period of three weeks feature a variety of great dance bands.
The fun begins on Saturday, January 12th, 2008, with the Ancient and Mystic Krewe of Atlantis at La Bella Torre
Restaurant. The costumed fantasy of 'Carnival in Venice' will be a dress-up evening to remember, including dinner
and dancing. For reservations for this special limited-seating event, phone 863-678-9696.
Saturday, January 26th the Loyal Order of Wild Shiners will hold their 21st Annual Black-light Ball.
Be sure to wear something wild, day-glo or otherwise, to this BYOB event.
Friday evening, February 1st, the Krewe of Pegasus will hold its 23rd Annual Coronation Ball at Lake Wales Country Club.
On Friday, February 1st and Saturday, February 2nd, a free, two-day Mardi Gras Music Festival, features Jazz, Zydeco, Dixieland, and more.
Arts, crafts, 'Cajun foods, and street musicians accent the annual Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday afternoon
to complete the atmosphere, drawing more than 50,000 people.
Immediately after the parade, there will be a Post-Parade Dance Party at the combined
La Bella Torre and The Highlander restaurants on Stuart Avenue, featuring the dance music of the incredible Hoochie Daddies.
The Mardi Gras concludes on Fat Tuesday, February 5th, 2008, with the Coronation Ball sponsored by
the Mystic Krewe of Rex, at which the Krewe coronates the new Prince of Wailes, and selects a Queen of
Carnival to rule over the 2009 events! This year the event is planned for La Bella Torre restaurant on Stuart Avenue.