ArtiGras 2019 will be held on Saturday, February 16^th, 2-10 pm, at Railroad Square Art Park in Tallahassee. It is similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but celebrates the unique creative expressions of Tallahassee folks. It is comprised of kids’ activities, displays, vendors, a parade, a panel discussion, and stage performances by Creole and Zydeco bands.  Led by a brass band, the parade at 4 pm is open to all, and may include groups and individuals who have created their own masks, costumes or small floats, decorated their cars, or dressed up their dogs (prizes awarded).  A family festival, ArtiGras makes a special effort to educate students about the Creole cultures of the South that have Mardi Gras traditions, including New Orleans and S.W. Louisiana, Mobile, and Apalachicola, Florida.  After the parade, the following live bands will perform:   5 pm Bill "Sauce Boss" Wharton; 6 pm The Common 'Taters & the Turn-Ups; 7 pm Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole; 8 pm JB's ZydecoZoo; 9 pm Just Us in Counterpoint.  There is an after-party (ticketed) at the Signature Lounge on E. Orange Avenue from 10 pm to 2 am.  For more information, check the website, www.crossculturalcoalition.org, or email the organizers at artigras2019@gmail.com.