DECATUR– North Alabama’s premier Mardi Gras style celebration will take place February 13, 2021, when the Carnegie Visual Arts Center holds its annual Carnegie Carnival. Now in its tenth year, Carnegie Carnival fills the city’s historic downtown area with family-friendly fun, all while promoting art and creativity. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the arts and other non-profits located in Decatur and Morgan County.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, modifications to the 2021 event have been implemented as additional safety measures and to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. Carnegie Carnival 2021 will feature stationary floats. Spectators will drive past the floats beginning at 6 p.m., and rather than tossing throws, bags of items will be distributed to the first 500 cars. The route will be announced this week on https://carnegiecarnival.org/
Additional activities lined up include the Carnival Frolic, a 13.1-mile race through the historic districts, along the Tennessee River and through Point Mallard Park. Along with the in-person half-marathon at 7 a.m., a virtual option is also available for those who prefer to social distance. 
Mosaic Mentoring of North Alabama and CASA of North Alabama have joined together to sponsor a rock scavenger hunt with prizes along 2nd Avenue for children. Bags for collecting rocks and directions for the hunt can be picked up under the awning of the Princess Theatre beginning at 10 a.m. No rocks will be counted after 11:30 a.m. Winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded during a Facebook LIVE at 12:15 p.m. Local downtown restaurants are doing lunch specials for all the rock hunters.
Dogs of all sizes and breeds are invited to take part in the Carnegie Carnival Canine Costume Contest and Dog Walk sponsored by Lucky Dog Daycare. Anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., participants can walk their pooches dressed in their Mardi Gras best from the Alabama Center for the Arts to Johnston Street and back. Please use the sidewalk as Second Avenue will not be blocked off. Along the walk, take pictures and post to social media with the hashtag #CarnivalCanines or on the event’s Facebook page @carnegiecarnivalcanines for the contest. Winners of the costume contest and 2021 Canine Royalty will be announced on Facebook LIVE around 2 p.m. Pre-registration for the contest is required. Cost is $10 per dog plus $5 for each additional dog. Proceeds benefit the Morgan County Humane Society. For more information, visit https://carnegiecarnival.org/
Live music will be on the menu at the Brick Deli beginning at noon. Slated to perform are Sophisticated Swingers Jazz Combo, Nitrate City, Blagburn and Snake Oil Stringbenders.
For more information, go to https://www.carnegiearts.org/, follow Carnegie Carnival on Facebook and Instagram or call the Carnegie Visual Arts Center at 256.341.0562.
Media Release/Danielle Gibson, President & CEO
Decatur Morgan County Tourism, Inc.
