THE PARADE
The AYS Mardi Gras Mambo is a multicultural parade celebrating Central Indiana children and families. The parade began in 2001 on the sidewalks of Massachusetts Avenue in Indianapolis and was an opportunity for children in afterschool programs to showcase the multicultural arts they had studied.
The parade continued as an annual event and began to grow. A new multicultural theme was chosen each year and more community groups and local businesses joined the celebration. Today, the parade is on the streets of Mass Ave in Indianapolis and Town Square in Noblesville. Floats, great costumes and music, as well as a Carnavale Fair make the AYS Mardi Gras Mambo an exciting winter event.
KEMET, the ancient name for the land of Egypt, is the theme for the 2009 AYS Mardi Gras Mambo, which will take place on Saturday, February 21. The first parade will begin at 9:30AM from North Elementary in Noblesville and the second parade will begin at 2:30 from the Center Township Trustee building in Indianapolis. For parade maps and details on how individuals and organizations can join the parade, please visit the Parade Information page.
THE CARNAVALE FAIR
Families can also make masks with our Mardi Gras Masks activities and join the Carnavale Fair, which includes free children’s ID cards from K-IDS BMV, live music from the Jazz Men, mask making with World Carnavale, jump rope activities, refreshments and prizes from local businesses. The Carnavale Fair will be from 10:00AM - 12:00PM at North Elementary in Noblesville and from 3:00 - 5:00PM at the YMCA at the Athenaeum in Indianapolis.
IMPORTANT DATES
December 12, 2008 - Mardi Gras Mask Workshop
Januray 9, 2009 - Mardi Gras Mask Workshop
January 16, 2009 - Parade Registration Deadline
February 21, 2009 - AYS Mardi Gras Mambo Parade
COME AND JOIN THE FUN!
AYS enriches the learning and well-being of children in a safe, caring and fun environment outside of the school day. To learn more about AYS please visit www.ayskids.org.
AYS, Inc.
4755 Kingsway Drive, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46205
(317) 283-3817