2027
MAKE AN IMPACT. JOIN THE LAKE WALES MARDI GRAS
KREWE!
www.lwmardigras.com
BEYOND the BEADS
How Lake Wales Mardi Gras Creates Community, Supports Local Organizations, and Connects Businesses with Thousands of Attendees
Dear Friends, Forty-four years ago, what began as a heartfelt tribute has grown into one of Lake Wales’ most cherished traditions. In 1984, the Lake Wales Mardi Gras was founded in memory of Vinton Davis, owner of Vinton’s New Orleans Restaurant. After Vinton’s passing, his wife, Nettie, and daughter, Nancy Estes, wanted to honor his love for community by bringing a taste of New Orleans to downtown Lake Wales. Alongside Jim Bernhardt, Nettie’s brother, Ed, Robert Connors, and a small group of dedicated volunteers, they organized the very first Lake Wales Mardi Gras. That first celebration was humble by today’s standards—one band, four krewes, several marching revelers, and a few hundred spectators lining the streets. But even then, it represented something much larger than a parade. It was about bringing people together. Today, thanks to the dedication of hundreds of volunteers and the unwavering support of our community and business partners, that vision has flourished. Lake Wales Mardi Gras has evolved from a single afternoon parade into a vibrant two-day festival that welcomes visitors from across Florida and beyond. Families travel to experience our signature parade, live music, 5K, food trucks, artisan and business vendors, children’s activities, and the unmistakable spirit of Mardi Gras that fills our historic downtown. More than 25 colorful floats and krewes now parade before an estimated 20,000 spectators each year, creating an economic and cultural impact that extends far beyond the weekend itself. As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, every celebration has a greater purpose. The success of Lake Wales Mardi Gras allows us to invest back into the community we love. Since 2019, we have proudly donated more than $124,000 to local charities and organizations serving the greater Lake Wales area. Every sponsorship, every volunteer hour, and every attendee helps make that impact possible. As you read through this report, you’ll discover that sponsoring Lake Wales Mardi Gras is about much more than brand visibility. It’s an opportunity to align your business with a beloved community tradition, connect with tens of thousands of attendees, support local nonprofits, and help preserve an event that has become a source of pride for generations of families. On behalf of our Board of Directors, volunteers, krewes, and community partners, thank you for considering becoming part of the next chapter of the Lake Wales Mardi Gras story. Together, we can continue to let the good times roll while creating an even greater impact for our community. We look forward to celebrating with you. Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!),
Joshua Curchy President, Lake Wales Mardi Gras
GIVING BACK
SINCE 2019,
$124,000+
has been donated to deserving local non-profits.
RECENT NON-PROFIT RECIPIENTS INCLUDE: • Advent Foundation • Camp Joy Florida • Candlelight Academy • Care Center • Discoverability • Lake Region High School Orchestra • Lake Wales Arts Council • Lake Wales High School Band • Lake Wales High School SIT Program • Lake Wales Literacy Council • Lake Wales Little League • Lake Wales Little Theatre • Meals on Wheels (Polk County) • MLK Scholarship Foundation • Police Officers Association (Shop with a Cop) • Refuge on the Ridge • Rotary on the Ridge • Stirring Waters • Victory Ridge Academy • And more...
Know of a deserving local non-profit? Email Joshua Curchy at joshcurchy@gmail.com for more information on how to become a recipient for our 2027 funds.
Our donations have helped: • Establish a computer lab at Candlelight Academy. • Provide college scholarships to deserving students through the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Program. • Stock the food pantry for homeless and foodinsecure students at Lake Wales High School. • Deliver meals to seniors living on fixed incomes. • Provide Christmas gifts for children throughout our community. • Purchase musical instruments, giving children the opportunity to discover the joy of music. • Improve accessibility and mobility for individuals with disabilities. • Support many other programs and organizations that strengthen the Lake Wales community.
20 26
BY the NUMBERS 286,140
120,395
10,000+
8.1k
Facebook Impressions
Facebook Reach
Yearly Web Page Visits
15
Facebook Followers
to
Emails Sent
207 5K Runners
895 Email Contacts
20,000+ Spectators
15 Krewes
65 250,000+
Volunteers
Beads Thrown
Lake Wales Mardi Gras was born as a tribute to Vinton Davis, the charismatic owner of Vinton’s New Orleans Restaurant, and his love for carnivals, especially Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The parade had 100 spectators and featured two krewes: Royal Order of the Red Swans (Zazu) and The Loyal Order of Wild Shiners
L A K E WA L ES M A R D I G R AS
1986
Approx. 5 Balls were held each year. The Shiner and Aphrodite Ball being the largest at over 300 people attending each one.
Throughout the 90’s, Mardi Gras saw 25,000 spectators each year and had 12-15 different krewes.
Lake Wales Mardi Gras moved the festival down to the shores of Lake Wailes Lake. This provided better safety and space for the event to continue it’s growth.
Partnered with the Lake Wales Arts Coucil and Sandy’s MusicGirls to include an instrument petting zoo in our kids area.
HISTORY
1984
TIMELINE
Mardi Gras grows to eight krewes: The Mystick Krewe of Rex, The Mystick and Faire Krewe of Aphrodite, The Krewe of the Wild Shiners, The Mystick Krewe of Za-Zu, The Krewe of Pegasus, The Mystic Krewe of Endymion of Central Florida, The Krewe of Bacchus, and The Krewe of Phidippides.
1989
90-99 97-01
2019 2021
2022
2023
“Sticky” Steve Morrison of the Wild Shiners, rode an elephant through the streets of downtown Lake Wales.
During this time Mardi Gras consistetly raised $15-20K, that was given back to the community.
During Covid, the event couldn’t be held as normal, so La Petit Mardi Gras was held at a local venue with three bands and was able to still raise funds to donate back to the community.
Ticketed VIP Area created for sponsors and attendees.
C E L E B R AT I O N A N D PA R A D E I F E B R UA RY 5 - 6 , 2 0 2 7
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS NAME OF BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS OF BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION_________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY __________________________________________________________ STATE ____________ ZIP CODE________________________________________ ARE YOU A NON-PROFIT?
YES
NO
TAX ID NUMBER______________________________________________________________________
CONTACT PERSON NAME ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBER ______________________________________________ CELL NUMBER _____________________________________________________
SPONSOR CONTRIBUTION AMOUNT $ ____________________________________ (IT IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE)
CHECK # ________________________________________________
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTING SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSOR
10,000
10,000
FIREWORKS $
$
STAGE
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSOR
10,000
$
8,000
5K $ 5,000
KIDS AREA $ 5,000
PARKING $ 5,000
EQUIPMENT $
3,000
$
BENEFITS: Business logo on poster and website (Large). Logo on the banner above the stage (Large) Business mentioned and/or tagged in social media posts One individual post tagging your business on social media with a link to your social media and/or website 10 VIP’s ($500 Value) Multiple shout-outs on stage between acts during the festival on Friday and Saturday Space for a 10x10 Tent and table at the event.
VIP AREA
$
2,000
BENEFITS: Business logo on poster and website. Logo on the banner above the stage. Business mentioned and/or tagged in social media posts 6 VIP’s ($300 Value) Shout-out from the stage Friday and Saturday night at the festival Space for a 10x10 Tent and table at the event.
1,000
$
BENEFITS: Business name on website. Business mentioned and/or tagged in social media posts Logo on the banner above the stage. (Small) Business name on shirt (no logo) 2 VIP Tickets ($100 Value) Shout-out from the stage Friday and Saturday night at the festival
Please send completed form and check to: Lake Wales Mardi Gras • P.O. Box 3631 • Lake Wales, FL 33859-3631
L A K E WA L E S M A R D I G R A S • P.O. B OX 3 6 3 1 • L A K E WA L E S , F L 33 8 5 9 -3 6 3 1
www.lwmardigras.com