BEAUMONT, Texas — Hundreds of volunteers are needed for Beaumont Mardi Gras 2020, which begins February 20.
The highly anticipated event is all volunteer ran and organizers are hoping 750 people are able to help.
"We use a program called SignUpGenuis.com," said Laura Childress, president of Mardi Gras Southeast Texas. "You go there, you pick the location where you'd like to work, the day, the time and you fill in your name and your signed up."
Childress along with other organizers presented information about Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas to members of the Dowlen West Neighborhood Association Tuesday night.
Inside the Rogers Park community center, details about what to expect this year and how to volunteer were explained.
"We're still in the planning phase, but we have added a lot of new attractions," said Childress. "We're getting our stages located, our carnival situated...it's all coming together really nicely."
One man in attendance who plans to volunteer for Beaumont's inaugural Mardi Gras is Steve Hoffman.
"For about four hours of your time, you can be a part of the process," said Hoffman, a member of the Dowlen West Neighborhood Association. "That means you can have fun and get you in the gate for free, that's always a good one."
Volunteers will gain free access into the festival after their shift.
They will also receive a custom event t-shirt for working at least eight hours.
With three months to go, some plans are still being finalized, including the parade route.
Childress told 12News that the parade will start at the Civic Center and head toward Crockett Street, but the full two-mile route should be released in the next couple weeks.
Of course, there's a lot of anticipation for Mardi Gras in Beaumont for the first time.
Organizers have signed a five-year contract with the city of Beaumont.
"It's looking like it's going to be here awhile and I want it to be," said Hoffman.
Childress says Vanilla Ice will be one of the performers during the weekend as part of a 90s theme night.
Mardi Gras will also be adding a petting zoo and hot air balloon exhibit, new for the event.
Mardi Gras in Beaumont will run from February 20-23, and will be gated.
Vendors, stages and activities will all be inside the fencing but people can still watch the parade from outside.
Tickets are $10 on Thursday and Sunday, $15 on Friday and Saturday.
To volunteer, sign up for a crew, view the schedule or buy tickets, you can visit the Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas website.
Organizers are expecting 20,000 people to attend over the weekend and Beaumont Police say security will be firm with many police officers patrolling the area.
The Aurora Grand Ball will be held inside the Civic Center on February 15, but you must be a member to attend.
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