THOMASVILLE- The spirit of New Orleans was alive and well during the Thomasville History Center’s Fat Tuesday events, which included a vibrant golf cart parade down Dawson Street.

According to Thomasville History Center Director Anne McCudden, THC was approached approximately one month ago by its neighbors on Dawson Street, looking to have a parade in honor of the annual festivities taking place in the Big Easy.

McCudden thought the parade would be the perfect opportunity to involve the community while promoting the History Center, which is located on Dawson St.

“We decided we wanted it to be a bit on the smaller scale since it was our first time doing anything like this,” McCudden said. “We only allowed golf carts and bikes.”

Each golf cart and bike could sign up for the parade with a nominal fee to go toward the History Center. The fee would help the History Center’s annual programs and events geared at educating the public.

Nearly 20 bikes and golf carts participated in the inaugural parade, which lasted approximately 30-40 minutes and excited the locals of Downtown Thomasville.

“A lot of people weren’t expecting it, so they were really excited to see us and interact,” McCudden said.

Originally, the groups had discussed having the parade at dinnertime, but after several conversations, they opted to have it during business hours so employees could come out and interact as a break from the work day, and kids who were leaving school would have an opportunity to join in as well.

“People lined the streets for us,” McCudden said.

Some of those individuals lining the streets were senior citizens who lived on Dawson Street or were taking part in physical therapy.

McCudden said the patients and individuals were wheeled out to enjoy the parade, which she appreciated, as the golf carts were able to interact with the men and women, handing them beads and bringing smiles to their faces.

“This type of parade really lends itself to going all-out,” McCudden said. “Everyone decorated their own carts and wore costumes, just as they would at a real parade in New Orleans.”

The parade even had King Cake, which the entrants donated to Thomasville Fire Rescue at the end of the event.

Following the donation, all of the entrants went to SASS for some red beans and rice, along with beignets, ending the day in a typical New Orleans way.

McCudden was impressed with the overall turnout of the day and shared her thanks for everyone who attended, giving a special token of appreciation to the Thomasville Police Department for leading the way in keeping the parade safe and family-friendly.

After such a successful first turnout, McCudden said she looks forward to next year, possibly growing the event with the help of the neighbors on Dawson Street, who have now deemed themselves the Dolls on Dawson.

She encourages everyone to keep an eye open for announcements about events in 2026.