More bands, more floats join in Max's Mardi Gras event

The seventh year of Max's Mardi Gras looks to be bigger and better than ever, according to organizer William Andrews.

"We're going to have three high school marching bands, about 70 floats and we're also going to have Red Hat Ladies in attendance," he said.

The theme for this year's festivities is Children in History and the games and activities that take place at Special Olympics Park at SUNY Brockport will offer 19th Century games, a cake walk, inflatable games, wildlife exhibit, sand art, scrap art, finger painting and a climbing wall.

Andrews said Special Olympics Park will also feature food booths, refreshments and concession stands.

Students from a recreation and leisure class at the college have also been lending a hand with the festival organization tasks. Andrews said the tie-in with the college strengthens the ties it has with the village.

Max Monaghan, the parade's namesake, will be in attendance again this year as the honorary parade marshall, Andrews said. The event, which began in 1999, was started by a "Make A Wish" dream by 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 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.

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 30.