Tybee Island to Celebrate 4th Annual Mardi Gras Tybee Festival February 17-18, 2012

Online, January 25, 2012 (Newswire.com) - TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. - Tybee Island, an island paradise located just 20 minutes east of historic Savannah, will celebrate the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Tybee Festival with a special Masquerade Ball, Mardi Gras Tybee Parade and Mardi Gras Street Party on Friday, February 17 and Saturday, February 18, 2012.

This weekend-long event will showcase the traditions of Mardi Gras as well as Tybee's casual coastal charm. Purple, gold and green flags will be flying high while attendees enjoy live entertainment and much more. A number of Tybee Island businesses will also celebrate Mardi Gras by hosting king cake parties - please visit www.MardiGrasTybee.com for a complete list.

On February 17, the Tybee Island Masquerade Ball will kick-off the weekend festivities with live music from accordion player Dwight "Black Cat" Carrier, one of the top Zydeco musicians to come out of Louisiana. Carrier will perform live at Fannies on the Beach, located at 1613 Strand Ave., from 8 to 11 p.m. The Masquerade Ball will also feature guest MC Layla Fox, a King and Queen costume contest and Krewe Cup contest. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and are available online at www.MardiGrasTybee.com under the Masquerade Ball tab.

The Mardi Gras Street Party, which is free and open to the public, will take place on February 18 from noon to 6 p.m. at the south end of the island by the Tybee Pier, located at Tybrisa Street and Strand Avenue. The party will feature live music by The Dawgs of Dixie, a six-piece traditional Dixieland jazz band, from noon to 3 p.m. and by Dwight "Black Cat" Carrier, an acclaimed Zydeco accordionist, from 3 to 6 p.m. Vendors will also be set up on-site.

The 2012 Mardi Gras Tybee Parade, which will feature colorful floats, plenty of beads and family-friendly fun, will begin on February 18 at 2 p.m. The parade starts at the north end of the island at Hwy. 80 and 2nd Avenue and heads south down Butler Avenue, turning left on Tybrisa Street. The parade ends as it passes the festival site along the strand. The parade is free and open to the public.

Vendor spaces, event sponsors and parade participants are still being accepted. Please visit www.mardigrastybee.com for details.

For additional information about the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Tybee festival, please visit www.mardigrastybee.com or www.tybeevisit.com.

ABOUT TYBEE ISLAND:
Tybee Island, Georgia, an island paradise located just 20 minutes east of historic downtown Savannah, is an ideal year-round destination for couples, families, meetings and more. Steeped in tradition and natural beauty, Tybee Island is home to several notable forts, informative museums, a historic lighthouse complex and miles of pristine beaches. Rich in relaxed style, Tybee Island also features a blend of eclectic art galleries, charming shops and exceptional restaurants. For more information about Tybee Island, visit www.tybeevisit.com or call 912.786.5444.

Tybee Island's Most Recent Accolades:
â— "Best Beaches for Families" - Parents Magazine
â— Top 10 Vacation Rental Hotspots for 2010 - TripAdvisor
â— Top 10 City Beaches in America - AOL
â— #1 Healthiest Beach in America - Health Magazine
â— "Readers' Choice Best Beach" - Georgia Magazine
â— "Best One Tank Trip" - Atlanta Journal Constitution
â— "Best Beach Retreat" - Creative Loafing Atlanta
â— Bicycle Friendly Community - League of American Bicyclists
â— Best Day Trip and Most Fun Place to Take the Kids -
Savannah Magazine

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