Mardi Gras parade set for Tuesday

Time to bust out the beads, baubles and general “freaky” attire, Lawrencians. The 10th annual Mardi Gras parade returns Tuesday, with local musician Mike West and his family again at the helm.

The fun starts about 11:30 a.m., when folks are invited to gather in front of Aimee’s Coffee House, 1025 Massachusetts St., before continuing north on the street beginning at noon.

The whole thing — which usually draws between 100 and 300 people, including spectators who join in as the parade meanders in and out of downtown businesses — should last no longer than two hours, West says, before ending at Free State Brewing Co., 636 Massachusetts St.

Don’t forget to dress up and bring musical instruments if you’ve got them, West says. Even if you don’t know how to play, noise-making is encouraged.