Photo by Dan Whisenhunt

Kirkwood is putting its mark on Mardi Gras with its first annual Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, Jan. 30.

The event, dubbed Lanta Gras, will include floats, music, dancing, and of course, Mardi Gras beads.

The fun begins at 12 p.m. The parade starts at the corner of Hallman Street and Kirkwood Road NE. The full route is on the Lanta Gras website.

The website said Lanta Gras “is a non-profit created to promote, foster and support a musical footprint in the neighborhoods of Kirkwood and East Lake. Our short-term goal is to celebrate the Mardi Gras season and highlight our communities and businesses. Our long-term goal is to place musical instruments into the hands of neighborhood children.”

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The site says, “The non-profit side of Lanta Gras exists to establish and foster New Orleans style brass bands with local kids. We would love to walk down our streets and hear the echoes of trumpets playing!”

Local bands The Black Sheep Ensemble and Wolf Pack are slated to play.

There’s already a list of 2016 Krewes on the website and more are welcome to join. The site defines Krewes as “Community Builders who make floats, play music, dance and parade.”