The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is jumping out on an early Mardi Gras, and yesterday they revealed the full list of events for 2013's Carnival.

Mardi Gras will fall on Tuesday,  Feb. 12 next year, which is kind of creeping up on us, isn't it?  The season will open with Twelfth Night revelry on January 6 and will roll all the way through Fat Tuesday.  Here's a full list of events:

Sunday, January 6

Twelfth Night Parade -- Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum, 5 p.m. -- Tickets cost $5 in advance, or $6 at the door.

Saturday, January 12

Queen's Pageant -- Lake Charles Civic Center -- Tickets cost $5 for adults, $3 for children.  Times vary.

Thursday, January 17

Community Dance -- Lake Charles Civic Center, 6-8:30 p.m., Free

Saturday, February 2

Vinton Mardi Gras Celebration, Downtown Vinton

  • Chicken Run -- 8 a.m.
  • Gumbo Cookoff -- starts 10 a.m., judging at 1:30 p.m.
  • Parade -- 2 p.m.

Tuesday, February 5

Krewe of the Golden Years Celebration -- Lake Charles Civic Center, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.  Free to seniors ages 60 and over.

Friday, February 8

Merchants' Parade -- Downtown Lake Charles, 7 p.m.

Saturday, February 9

Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride -- Sulphur, West Calcasieu Arena, 6 a.m.  Admission is $5 for trail riders.  Ride begins and ends at arena.

World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cookoff -- Lake Charles Civic Center, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Admission is $5 or free for children 5 and under.

Krewe of Omega Parade -- Downtown Lake Charles, 2 p.m.

Zydeco Dance -- Lake Charles Civic Center, 3-5 p.m.

Krewe of Barkus Parade -- Lake Charles Civic Center, 2 p.m.  Bring your favorite canine, dressed to the nines and see if you can claim the title of "Mystical Dog."  Entry fee applies.

Krewe of Cosmos Presentation -- Sulphur High School, 6:30 p.m.  Skits, songs and more as the krewe presents its royal court.

Krewe of Illusions 24th Annual Presentation -- Lake Charles Civic Center, 7:30 p.m.  Tickets $30 Orchestra seating, formal attire required.  $18 for balcony reserved seating, casual attire.  $15 standard balcony seating, casual attire.

Sunday, February 10

Taste De La Louisiane -- Lake Charles Civic Center, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  $7 admission fee for some of the best local cuisine you'll eat this year.

Children's Day / Children's Parade -- Lake Charles Civic Center, Noon to 3 p.m., parade starts at 3:30 p.m.  An old-time celebration of Louisiana culture, arts and crafts with Mardi Gras music.  Education station available with safety and health info.

Lighted Boat Parade -- Lake Charles Civic Center, 7 p.m.

Royal Gala  -- Lake Charles Civic Center, 7 p.m.  Courts of over 50 local krewes will present their kings, queens, dukes, duchesses, captains, courtesans and jesters.  Tickets $5 in advance, $6 at the door, Children 5 and under get in free.

Monday, February 11

Lundi Gras Keith Frank Concert -- Yesterday's, doors open at 6 p.m.  Advance tickets $12, At-door, $15.

Fat Tuesday, February 12

Iowa Chicken Run -- Iowa Knights of Columbus Hall, 10 a.m.  Run starts and ends at hall and runs west down U.S. 90.

Motorcycle, Hot Rods & Classics Parade -- Downtown Lake Charles, noon

Krewe of Krewes’ Parade -- Downtown Lake Charles, 5 p.m.

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