Max's Mardi Gras will be dual celebration this year

Max's Mardi Gras celebration will be even more of a celebration this year, as it will be incorporating the 175th anniversary of the Village of Brockport's charter. The event's theme, "Brockport's Birthday Party," will be incorporated in the floats and some of the day's events.

Mardi Gras organizer Bill Andrews said this year's event also sees a strengthening of the ties with the college as its tourism and recreation class, led by Professor Edward Udd, has taken responsibility for organizing the festival. "They are doing a fine job," Andrews said. "It's been a big help." Andrews said when he last checked there were 65 floats already committed to attending the April 24 parade.

The event, which began in 1999, was started by a "Make A Wish" dream by Max Monaghan - he was unable to attend Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans because of his HIV-positive status so he brought the festivities to Brockport for all of his friends and family to enjoy with him. The event has grown each year. "The Mardi Gras celebration is one of the few community events that draws everyone together for a good cause," Andrews explained. "It's a fun-filled day that helps raise money for the agencies that serve sick kids."

The Make A Wish Foundation, CP Rochester and Camp Good Days and Special Times use the festival and parade as a way to entertain children who have life-threatening illnesses or severe disabilities. The children are brought in as special guests during the parade. They ride on floats, sit on the reviewing stand and participate in other ways.

Following the parade, which begins at 10 a.m., the field of Special Olympic Park will be jammed with bands: two Dixieland Bands - Johnny Matt and the Beale Street Bandwagon; Julie Dunlap's country and western band; the high school marching band; the Excelsior Brigade and the Gates Police Pipes and Drums band. Antique and classic cars will be on display along with antique farm tractors.

An inflatable castle maze, rock climbing slide, an Excalibur castle and a multiple sports challenge are four new children's events lined up this year, Andrews said. "We're also going to have face painting, sand and scrap art for the kids."

Line up for the parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Market Street and the parade will step off at 10 a.m. on April 24.

"This has been a tremendous event," Andrews explained. "The first year we had 1,100 parade participants and more than 4,000 people lined the streets. This year promises to be just as extravagant."