Mardi Gras La’MI | Lansing Mardi Gras Festival

Mardi Gras

Bringing the Flavor of the South to the North

Introduce the vibrant celebration of Mardi Gras, fostering community spirit and economic growth.

Join the Celebration

Mardi Gras “LA ‘MI” Prize Entry

3+

Festival Vision

1+

Projected Participants

100+

Happy Client

1+

Business & Community Partners

Why Mardi Gras in Lansing?

Cultural Enrichment

Introduce Lansing to the rich traditions of Mardi Gras, including its music, dance, food, and heritage.

Provide educational workshops and exhibitions about Mardi Gras history and cultural significance.

Community Building

Foster a sense of unity by bringing together diverse communities within Lansing.

Encourage local participation in activities, parades, and events.

Economic Impact

Attract visitors from surrounding areas, boosting tourism and local businesses.

Increase revenue for hotels, restaurants, and local shops.

What Is a Krewe?

A Krewe is a Carnival social organization that creates the parades, floats, costumes, and celebrations that make Louisiana Mardi Gras worldfamous. The tradition began in the 1800s with groups like the Mistick Krewe of Comus, who organized elaborate parades and masked balls. Today, krewes across Louisiana—New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport, Lake Charles—are the heartbeat of Mardi Gras.

Traditional Louisiana krewes:

Build floats and create annual themes
Host parades and formal balls
Crown kings, queens, dukes, and maids
Celebrate culture, music, and community
Support charities and civic causes
Pass down traditions through generations

About Corrie Craig

Corrie was born and raised in Jennings, Louisiana, where Mardi Gras wasn’t just a holiday, it was a way of life. From childhood, she grew up surrounded by the colors, music, food, and traditions that define Louisiana culture. Mardi Gras shaped her community, her identity, and her understanding of what it means to celebrate life with joy, unity, and purpose.

For Corrie, Mardi Gras has never been “just something to do every year.” It is heritage. It is family. It is culture. It is a living expression of love, acceptance, creativity, and Southern values where everyone has a place, and everyone is welcome.

Mardi Gras La’MI

Join the Movement

Mardi Gras La’MI is more than a celebration, it’s a cultural investment in Lansing’s future. Together, we can enrich our community, boost local businesses, and create a vibrant annual tradition.

We invite stakeholders, partners, and community members to support, collaborate, and be part of bringing the Flava of the South to the North.

Let’s Build This Celebration

Mardi Gras Activity Ideas

Parade

Organize a grand parade with floats, marching bands, and costumed participants.

Encourage community groups to create themed floats.

Carnival Games

Set up traditional games and activities for families and children.

Include prize booths and game stalls.

Live Music and Dance

Feature live performances by local and Louisiana-based jazz, zydeco, and brass bands, along with exciting dance shows and interactive workshops.

Enjoy a Battle of Local High School Bands, judged by featured performing artists.

Food Festival

Offer authentic Louisiana cuisine, including gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.

Include food vendors from Lansing and visiting Louisiana chefs.

Costume Contests

Host contests for best Mardi Gras attire, with prizes for various categories.

Encourage participants to create and wear traditional costumes.

Craft Workshops

Offer mask-making and bead-stringing workshops.

Provide materials and instructors for hands-on activities.

Mardi Gras Ball

Plan an elegant Mardi Gras Ball with music, dancing, and cultural performances.

Include a formal dress code and themed decor.

Mardi Gras La’MI

Cultural Impact

Commitment to Community Impact

0%

Supporting Lansing nonprofits and services

Community-Focused Programming

0%

Supporting Lansing nonprofits and services

Support for Youth Arts & Bands

0%

Funding youth arts and bands

Diverse Participation

Highlight the involvement of various cultural groups, showcasing Lansing’s diversity. Promote inclusivity through cultural exchange activities and performances.

Educational Opportunities

Host workshops, lectures, and exhibitions on Mardi Gras traditions. Collaborate with local schools and cultural institutions for educational programs.

Tradition and Innovation

Merge traditional Mardi Gras elements with local Michigan culture. Create a unique celebration that reflects both Louisiana and Lansing heritage.

Mardi Gras La’MI

Local Business Involvement

Vendor Partnerships

Collaborate with local businesses to provide food, beverages, and merchandise. Enhance visibility and revenue for participating vendors.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Offer sponsorship packages for businesses to support the event. Provide promotional benefits such as logo placement and advertisements.

Community Collaboration

Involve local artists, performers, and cultural groups to showcase Lansing’s talents. Create opportunities for community members to volunteer and participate.

Mardi Gras La’MI

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