Durham Mardi Gras launches crowd-funding campaign

The Durham Mardi Gras parade is looking to expand this year with more music, beads and decorations.

Posted 7:30 p.m. Jan 21, 2014 — Updated 7:30 p.m. Jan 21, 2014

DURHAM, N.C. — The Durham Mardi Gras is looking to expand its annual celebration downtown and they want your help.

This city-sanctioned free parade and block party is scheduled for March 4 - aka Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras - at 7 p.m. Groups or "krewes" show up in costume with beads to hand out (no throwing beads in this parade). Everyone "second lines" or walks from the bull at CCB Plaza to Rigsbee Avenue for the block party and to hear some great music at nearby clubs. Food trucks are usually on hand too.

The event attracts people of all ages and many families take part, especially in the parade.

This year, the folks behind the parade have launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise $4,000 toward decorations, beads, advertising and music. This is a flexible funding campaign so any money donated will be kept even if they don't reach their goal by the March 4 deadline. Perks for contributing include T-shirts, second line hankies, a chance to dance on stage with The Bulltown Strutters and a spot in the parade next to the King and Queen.

They are kicking off this fundraising campaign this Saturday night at The Pinhook.

If you have extra beads and don't want to march, you can donate them. The Scrap Exchange is accepting bead donations on the parade's behalf. So head over there and help out.

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