Taking part in a parade often requires association with an organization that has registered as a participant. But this Saturday, July 2, you and your family are welcome to take part in Family Day America, A Stars and Stripes Celebration.

Wear your red, white and blue and take part in the Family Day America parade in Gulf Shores, Alabama on July 2, 2011.

The Gulf Shores American Legion Post 44 is hosting a family-oriented parade plus activities in Kids Park and Sims Park Pavilion at the Bodenhamer Center. Register at 8:00 a.m. to take part in the 9:00 parade. Decorate your bicycles and tricycles, wheelchairs, wagons, strollers, and even yourself. Show your pride in this great country by sporting your best reds, whites and blues as the parade follows the sidewalk around the park.

After the parade, stay for the free activities such as a bounce house, crafts projects, balloon creations, games, clowns, music, food and drinks, and a visit with Freddie the Fire Truck.

Before you leave the event, thank the folks with the American Legion for organizing this day of family spirit, and for continuing local efforts to honor our country and our service men and women. Also be sure to share your appreciation with the Gulf Shores Parks and Recreation Department for coordinating the location, and the Gulf Shores Lions Club and Gulf Coast Family Chiropractic Center for sponsorships of the event.

Stay informed of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Vacation Rentals on Facebook and Twitter.

Quick – name the two foods most associated with Mardi Gras.

Treat yourself during the Mardi Gras season!

Hints: Both are circular in shape. One is associated with parades while the other will be found at the parties (often masked balls) of the season, although both will often show up as a treat in homes and businesses.

Mardi Gras balls and seasonal gatherings are not complete without a king cake. Generally speaking, the king cake is a large round or oval cinnamon coffee cake that is glazed or frosted and then sprinkled generously with sugar colored in the royal hues of purple, green and gold. A small plastic trinket is inserted through the bottom of the cake for a lucky person to find. The person who receives the trinket is said to be the king or queen for the day and will have good fortune for the coming year. Another interpretation explains that the person who finds the trinket must host the following week’s party.

As for the other food, you may be surprised to learn that although Mardi Gras is most often associated with the southern coastal states, the moon pie actually originated in Chattanooga, Tennessee during the early part of the 20^th century. It was made by placing marshmallow cream between two graham crackers, then completely coating the sweet, spongy sandwich in chocolate. Years later, in Mobile, Alabama, it became a parade throw (an item tossed from parade floats) due to its soft yet sturdy consistency. Today, moon pies come in a variety of flavors and colors, and parade-goers expect to catch their share of this extremely popular item.

February 16, 2010, is Mardi Gras Day. Since mid-January, numerous organizations have been leading their masked members along parade routes throughout the South. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the fun and gather some colorful throws. Local parades are as follows:

Fri., Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m. – Orange Beach – Hwy. 182 from Wintzell’s Oyster House to Hwy. 161

Sat., Feb.13, noon – Foley – east on Roosevelt St.

Sat., Feb.13, 6:30 p.m. – Orange Beach – Hwy. 182 from Live Bait to Perdido Pass Bridge

Tues., Feb.16, 10:00 a.m. – Gulf Shores – Hwy. 59 from south end of the Intracoastal Bridge to the beach

Tues., Feb.16, 1:30 p.m. – Orange Beach – Hwy. 182 from Wintzell’s Oyster House to Hwy. 161

Tues., Feb.16, 3:00 p.m. – Gulf Shores – boat parade begins at 3:00 at Bear Point Marina and ends by 4:30 at LuLu’s Homeport Marina

Come to the beach soon and “laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)!”

If you do not have your Mardi Gras beach accommodations yet, we can help! Now through Feb. 17, 2010, you can stay five nights but only pay for three nights! If you can’t stay that long, or will be here during a different time frame, take a look at Meyer Real Estate’s many specials and hot deals to make your getaway more affordable.

Throughout the year, folks brainstorm, make drawings, decide on budgets and assemble their crews for the big night, all with the hope of bringing back the coveted first place awards for the Nautical Night of Lights boat parade in Orange Beach, Alabama, on Friday, December 11.

Nautical Night of Lights and Light Up the Arts - both events Friday, December 11 in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Now in its 24^th year, the competition seems to grow stronger each December. Awards are given in three categories: sailboat, powerboat 32′ and under, and powerboat 33′ and up. Judging is based on lighting, music, and crew attire – and there is no end to the creativity on these literal parade floats.

You can greet Santa and enjoy the free parade of his escorts along the Intracoastal Canal, beginning at Zeke’s Marina at 5:00 p.m. and moving through Terry Cove at 5:30, Bear Point at 6:30, The Wharf at 7:30, and ending at LuLu’s Homeport Marina at 8:30 p.m. Just pick a time and a location and join the community in this festive event. For more parade information, contact the Chamber at 251-968-7220.

Looking for even more fun to fill the entire evening? The Orange Beach Arts Center is hosting Light Up the Arts to coincide with the parade. Starting at 6:00 p.m., enjoy wine and chili as you admire the wonderful variety of art works on display. Buy a handblown wine glass (use it for your wine that evening!), participate in the live auction, purchase your favorite work of art, and relax to the beautiful Christmas music played by harpist Rose Brueske.

The OBAC is located along the water (26389 Canal Rd., just .3 miles east of Hwy. 161), so just step outside to cheer the parade as it goes by – and at the same time, tap your toes to the music of Top Hat and Jackie.

All proceeds from the evening support educational programs and more at OBAC. For more information regarding Light Up the Arts or the Orange Beach Arts Center, call 251-981-2787.

Let us help you arrange your holiday beach getaway at up to 50% off, give the ideal present of a gift certificate good toward a beach vacation, or plan for your next reunion or family vacation. We look forward to serving your with STAR Treatment!