Texarkana prepares for first Mardi Gras

Front Street Texarkana is preparing to make history with their first Mardi Gras parade.

It's not only a first for Texarkana, but a first for the state of Arkansas.

Artisan Gallery and Gifts owner D. Marlatt is not only building a float for Mardi Gras, her store is also one of the nearly 50 vendors participating in the event.

"We hope that if we support the community, the community will support our endeavor as well," said Marlatt.

Texarkana, Arkansas Marketing Director Charlotte Hartwell says the idea for mardi gras grew out community interest.

She says social media has allowed her to receive instant community support for the Front Street Texarkana event.

"The Krewe of Kiononia, it stands for unity and that was our goal to unitfy both sides of stateline," said Hartwell.

McLarty Ford will be providing new trucks to pull the floats in the parade.

Sales Manager Chad Jordan says they're excited to be apart of Mardi Gras from the very beginning.

The theme of the parade is music icons and there will be about 50 floats.

The parade which will be held on Saturday, February 9th.

Activities will kick off at 2 o'clock with a "Krewe of Paws and Little Rascals" parade.

Then at 4:00 p.m. that afternoon, another parade will begin on Front Street.

There will also be live music and a street dance following the parade.