Break out the beads for 'Folly Gras' 2012

Image by Flickr user Rdoke

Get a taste of New Orleans this Saturday during Folly Beach’s annual Mardi Gras celebration.

From 1 to 5 p.m., Folly River Park will get into the "Folly Gras" spirit and come alive with a parade, food vendors, bands, games, and fun for the whole family.

Want to be in the parade? Dress up in full-on Mardi Gras apparel and line up on West Arctic Street by the Tides Hotel to walk along the route. Cars can be entered as long they are decorated fender-to-fender with all kinds of Mardi Gras bling. As always, pets are welcome to attend in the festivities as long as they come along sporting some beads or other festive garb.

As an added bonus, prizes will be given to the best all-around Folly Gras spirit, best golf car, best float, and best costume, so be sure to go all out in order to go home with a prize. Winners will be given their trophies at 4:30 p.m. in front of Shakin’ Martinis.

Even after the city’s events end for the day, the party will continue at area bars and restaurants well into the night.