A Little Barefoot Mardi Gras History ...

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Barefoot Mardi Gras was originally started by a group of Padre Islander friends as a great way to celebrate the Mardi Gras season and just have some fun, then took on a life of its own. For many years, it existed as an exclusively local event, run by Dwayne and Denise Ebert and friends. It grew enough that they made it into a fundraiser, selecting Big Brothers Big Sisters as their first beneficiary.

After many years of continued growth, the Eberts turned the reins over to the Padre Island Business Association (PIBA) in 2015, who in turn contracted event organizer Elaine Motl of EM Marketing to run the event. Elaine ran the event on behalf of the PIBA for nine years and it grew to an event that brought in people from all over the Coastal Bend and beyond.

Now run by a subcommittee of the PIBA, the parade route has been expanded and includes more community engagement and souvenir opportunities. The Barefoot Mardi Gras Season has been expanded to engage multiple island businesses offering special promotions, themed products, and Mardi Gras themed events to create a vibrant and exciting experience for both locals and visitors.  

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler, Y'all!