Mardi Gras celebration to take place in Galveston

Galveston will celebrate Mardi Gras from Feb. 10 to Feb. 26.

The festivities will include 26 concerts, 24 parades, 19 balcony parties and five masked balls.

Hot Chelle Rae, American Music Awards Sprint New Artist of the Year, will be the headline performer for this year's celebration. He is scheduled to perform at 10 p.m. on Feb. 11 at Saengerfest Park, 23rd and Strand St.

The first parade will be the second annual A Salute to George Mitchell Parade, which is held in honor of the award recipients. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10. New parades will include the Zaniest Golf Cart, Gloworama Art Car, Shiners Hospitals for Children parade and more.

Last year, more than 500 people with umbrellas took part in the Hokey Pokey to claim the largest umbrella dance ever. This year, the Uptown Funky Umbrella Brigade will try to increase turnout to hold on to the title.

Moody National Bank will present Family Gras, which will have many family oriented events and activities, including live music and parades.

Five masked balls will be held during Mardi Gras. They will have live performances, dancing and viewings of the parade.

For more information and a schedule of all events, visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com.