Locals and visitors alike will get a brand new way to enjoy the whole local Mardi Gras experience with Parti-Gras 2013.

Chris Jay with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau tells me this is an experiment to see how well something like this will work. It'll start off this year with the Krewe of Gemini Parade on February 9th.

"It's gonna include food, live music, visits from area Mardi Gras royalty, you name it. It's gonna be a really full day, and a full way, to experience parade day in Shreveport," Jay says. "The big thing is, you don't have to be part of a group of 10 or more to be part of it.  And...you don't have to be from out of town, either. The admission cost comes with access to a climate-controlled party tent with upbeat live music, authentic Louisiana cuisine, a keepsake custom Parti-Gras 2013 beat, two drink tickets per guest, and appearances by Mardi Gras royalty."

And this is a 21-and-up experience.

"The Mardi Gras Bash that happens this year on February 2nd during the Krewe of Centaur parade has always been extremely mature, it's always been kind of low-key, it's always been sort of safe-feeling for large groups. We wanted to do something more lively," says Jay.

You can get more details on the event's website -- and we'll have the info on Newsradio 710 KEEL, plus a longer interview with Jay, on Keel Morning News tomorrow.

More From 96.5 KVKI