SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA – The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau is giving away the rare opportunity to ride in a Mardi Gras parade. One winner of the Mardi Gras Vacation Sweepstakes will receive two spots aboard a float in the 2017 Krewe of Highland parade as well as hotel accommodations for two, a generous supply of “throws” to toss to the crowd during the parade and a gift certificate to dine at a local restaurant. The Krewe of Highland parade will be held in the historic Highland neighborhood of Shreveport, Louisiana at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017. Visit the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau website to enter the sweepstakes.

Now in its 22nd year, the massive Krewe of Highland parade is one of the largest “neighborhood parades” in North Louisiana. Held during daylight hours, the parade is family-friendly, diverse, funky and unpredictable. Floats in the Krewe of Highland parade are known for their unusual throws including grilled hot dogs, packaged ramen noodles, Moon Pie confections and more. The parade is also known for its “do it yourself” spirit – marching units in the parade frequently push colorful homemade floats.

The Krewe of Highland parade is just one of nearly a dozen Carnival season parades held annually in Shreveport-Bossier. Other major parades include: the Krewe of Centaur Parade, Saturday, Feb. 18; the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Pet Parade, Sunday, Feb. 19; and the Krewe of Gemini Parade, Saturday, Feb. 25. Other major seasonal events include float-loading parties, masked balls and festive food events. For a complete guide to Carnival season events in Shreveport and Bossier City, as well as useful parade day tips, parade route maps and more, download the Gris Gris Guide to Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier.

This sweepstakes is limited to one entry per person. All entries must be received by 12 a.m. CST on Monday, Jan. 23, 2017. The sweepstakes winner will be responsible for his or her own travel to and from Shreveport, Louisiana. Winner must be 21 years of age or older in order to claim the prize. For complete sweepstakes rules or more information, visit www.Shreveport-Bossier.org/mardigras.

For more visitor information on Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana's Other Side, visit the website at www.Shreveport-Bossier.org or call 800-551-8682.