Mardi Gras is a time for letting loose free spirits before the onset of the Christian observation of Lent, a time of reflection and self-denial.
Ash Wednesday, March 5, marks the beginning of Lent, and traditional Mardi Gras and Carnival celebrations will wrap up with Fat Tuesday the day before.
Mardi Gras and Carnival celebrations are best known in New Orleans, La.,, South America and the Caribbean.
But the festivities are coming to the North Olympic Peninsula this year.
A number of fun events — some for the family and some geared for adults — are planned this weekend.
The principal event is the inaugural Port Angeles Downtown Association family Mardi Gras festival on Saturday, March 1, at The Landing mall, 115 E. Railroad Ave., starting at noon.
A costume and mask processional up Laurel Street to the fountain at Conrad Dyar Memorial Park, First and Laurel streets starts at The Landing at 3 p.m.
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The rest of the story appears in the Friday-Saturday Peninsula Spotlight magazine in the Peninsula Daily News. Click on SUBSCRIBE to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.