Laissez les bon temps rouler — “Let the good times roll.”

Well it is that time of the year again, Mardi Gras, and the Mystic Krewe of Alpheus will be holding their annual Mardi Gras parade at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13.

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 “Unlucky in Love;” so come prepared to see members in disguise as celebrities that are not always so “lucky in love.”

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 toward Main Street.

On Main Street, the parade will travel to Rankin Street, where it will turn and will travel on Rankin Street until it reaches Franklin 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 around 30 entries but always have room for another float, so it is never too late to enter.

If you’d like to have an entry, give me a call at 318-282-7981, and I’ll let you know what you will need to do to participate.

We encourage everyone to join us at our 16th annual Mystic Krewe of Alpheus parade to celebrate this wonderful, historic season of good times and fun for everyone.

Alphonse Coco is parade chairman.