This year the Krewe du Lac, the Official Krewe of Kemah, moves into its second decade. The 2013 season will celebrate “France” and salute the Kings and Queens of years gone by, who will be honored in 2013 and shall preside over the festivities once again.

Local groups, businesses & friends are encouraged to create their own "satellite Krewes" with parade entries and their own Royal Court.  Krewe du Lac will help promote their parties and special events as well as welcome them to Krewe du Lac events. The Krewe du Lac mission is to celebrate the traditions of Mardi Gras and the French culture, assist others in similar pursuits though participation and education while having a blast. Some events, such as the Parade and Mardi Pardi on February 2 are family friendly while other events are for adults.

2013 Krewe du Lac Schedule 11th Annual Mardi Gras • Kemah, Texas

Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013 • King’s Cake Party at T-Bone Tom's 2 to 5pm: free and open to the public. Enjoy a slice of King's Cake, beads and live music by The Grateful Geezers. Come decked out in your best Pirate Attire (optional). Tickets for the Royal Ball will be on sale.

Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 - Royal Ball aboard Spirit of Texas Paddlewheeler departs Endeavour Marina at 8 pm. Cocktail attire (Men - Jacket required, tie optional) Classy Pirate attire is always acceptable. Pre-boarding social at Sam’s Boat in front of the marina starts at 6:30pm. Presentation of the Kemah Krewes Royalty, live music, dancing, light appetizers, adult beverages. 2.5-hour cruise around Clear Lake. Cost $75 per person. Must be at least 21.

Krewes Into Kemah Weekend • Feb.1-3

Friday, Feb. 1 - Krewes Into Kemah Kick Off Party hosted annually by Bakkhus Taverna on 6th Street in the Lighthouse District. Starts at 8pm. Annual bash includes live music for dancing on the patio and lots of Krewe fun! Compete in the Best Decorated Mardi Gras Umbrella Contest. No cover charge. Full menu and full bar available for an additional cost. All ages welcome.

Saturday, Feb. 2 - Galloway Gallop Fun Run starts the day with a BANG! The run begins at 8 am with a certified 10K and 5K race followed by a Kid K Dash at 9am. As always, the Galloway Gallop features a beautiful scenic course, great prizes and a fantastic finish-line party that includes refreshments, music and children’s activities and is known as one of the most family friendly & fun races in the Bay Area. Cash, costume and door prizes are awarded. Register online at www.signmeup.com or by downloading a form from the Events page at www.thegallowayschool.org. Fees vary by age group.

Saturday, Feb. 2 - Kemah Mardi Gras Parade. Participants line up behind T-Bone Tom’s at 10 am. The parade begins 11 am at the corner of 5th and Bradford Streets. The frolicking procession travels north up Bradford St. to the Kemah Boardwalk and back down Kipp Street along Galveston Bay and ends at the Jimmy Walker Community Center on 9th Street. The judging stand is located in front of Kemah Coach at 600 9th Street. No fee. Registration available online now.

Saturday, Feb. 2 - Post Parade Mardi Pardi. An annual tradition! T-Bone Tom’s Backyard. Noon to dusk. Enjoy live music with The Zydeco Dots, costume contest, parade awards presentation, arts & crafts booths, raffle benefitting Spina Bifida kids camp, moonwalk, face painting and much more. This annual celebration is a colorful crowd pleaser. Very family friendly. Free admission. Full bar, regular menu and crawfish available for an additional cost. All ages welcome.

Saturday, Feb. 2 - Masquerade Ball at Zone 504 – 9 pm until close. Hosting Krewe du Lac’s first ever masquerade party at Zone 504 on the first weekend of Mardi Gras. Enjoy live zydeco music, Hurricane drinks on special, and all the Krewe du Lac faithful. Come out wearing your Mardi Gras beads and masks. This is gonna be great! Free admission. 21 and over only. Find them on Facebook

Sunday, Feb. 3 - Superbowl in New Orleans. Texans Maybe?

Saturday, Feb. 9 - Yachty Gras Boat Parade & Public Cruise. Be part of the annual Yachty Gras Boat Parade by land or by sea. Travel along the Kemah channel and world famous Kemah Boardwalk. Travel in style aboard the Boardwalk FantaSea! Boarding 6:30pm. Cruising 7 to 9:30pm. Be part of the Parade! BEADS BEADS BEADS! For reservations, ticket prices and all the info, call 281-535-8100. Or find your spot along the world famous Kemah Boardwalk. For more information visit www.yachtygras.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 21 - Fat Tuesday on The Strand in Galveston. Krewe of Aquarius Fat Tuesday Parade and Krewe Babalu Balcony Party – As the Krewe du Lac float rolls with the parade along the streets of The Strand Uptown District many of Krewe du Lac’s revelers will be on the Krewe Babalu balcony for the best parade view. Toss beads, enjoy live music, toast beverages from the cash bar or dance the night away as we bid fare thee well to another Mardi Gras season. Tickets just $20. Ages 21 & over only.

Email [email protected] or call Annabelle Ruch at 832-771-7661 for more information. 2013 Sponsors include The SCENE, T-Bone Tom's, Herbert's Fun Shop, FantaSea, Houston Party Boats, JML Publishing, Joe Deflora, Art City & All Points Productions. Special appreciation to The City of Kemah for its continued support.