The non-profit organization looks to "laissez les bons temps rouler" (let the good times roll) with Cajun-themed events beginning in late-February and ending in early-March.

Personally, as a fan of hot and spicy food, I love Mardi Gras time. I'll whip up a batch of gumbo from time to time from a recipe I got off the internet a couple of years ago, and although I try to stay away from "box dinners" as much as I can, Zatarain's Jambalaya is pretty darn good.

The Franklin Streets Events Association celebration kicks off on Saturday, February 22nd with a Gumbo Cook-Off from Noon-6pm that will feature local non-profits cooking up their own brand of gumbo for the public to sample using "tasting spoons" available for $10 per individual, or $15 per couple while they stroll the variety of stores and shops Franklin Street has to offer.

The following Friday (February 28th) will feature a traditional Pub Crawl up and down Franklin Street, with the following Saturday (March 1st) playing host to a Mardi Gras parade down the popular west side street.

For more information on all of these events, visit the Franklin Street Events Association Facebook page.

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