Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, but for Fort Scottians,  the Mardi Gras party is on Saturday, June 29.

Mardi Gras In The Fort will be in the new Gathering Square Pavilion at North National Avenue and Old Fort Blvd. starting at 5:30 p.m.

“The City of Fort Scott is really trying to think of different things to get citizens to come out and enjoy our city, our venues, and other citizens,” Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager, said. “We feel if we can continue to do positive things while working on the negative things, our city will be a better place to live and grow our families.”

Care to Share, a local organization that helps cancer survivors and their families,  will be offering a “free-will” donation shrimp (and no shrimp) gumbo and boil starting at 5:30 p.m. Local downtown restaurants will be open for your dining enjoyment, as well.

Live music will start at 6:00 p.m. Two Lane Highway and the Earnest James Zydeco Band will entertain the crowd.

“We will have limited tables and chairs for seating, so everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs.,” Matkin said.