Laissez Les bon temps rouller — “Let the good times roll.”

Well, it’s that time of the year, again — Mardis Gras and the Mystic Krewe of Alpheus will be holding their annual Mardis Gras parade at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9.

The Mystic Krewe of Alpheus was founded in 1992 when a small group of Natchezians decided to form another krewe, to be a little different from all other krewes in this area. The name of our krewe came from Greek mythology. Alpheus is the god of rivers and Arethusa is his love. Since Natchez is built on the mighty Mississippi, the new board thought the name of a river god was perfect for our Krewe. On our doubloon, Alpheus is depicted pouring water from a pitcher to create the great Mississippi River.

As many of you know, the Mystic Krewe of Alpheus parade is unique because it is a night parade and follows a different route than all others in Natchez. We are also unique in that we are a Mystic Krewe with masked revelers on brightly lit, and sometimes loud and musically rocking, krewe floats. This year’s theme is “Great Rivalries” so come prepared to see many of our krewe members in disguise as The Hatfield’s and the McCoy’s; the New Orleans Saints vs. the Atlanta Falcons; and LSU vs. Ole Miss vs. MSU, just to name a few.

This year all parade goers can view this outstanding parade at any spot along the parade route. The parade will line up on Broadway Street, then turn and go down Canal Street. We will turn right on Main Street (opposite of the one-way street flow) and turn left onto Commerce Street. We will continue down Commerce and then turn left on Franklin Street. We will follow Franklin Street back to Broadway Street, and the parade will end past the Callon Petroleum Building.

We currently have between 30 and 40 entries but it is still not too late to enter. Just give me a call at 601-807-2099 and I’ll let you know what you will need to do to participate. We encourage everyone to join us at our 15th annual Mystic Krewe of Alpheus parade to celebrate this wonderful, historic season of good times and fun for everyone. See you there!

Ronnie Harris, Parade and Float Chairman Mystic Krew of Alpheus.