Mardi Gras Shoebox Float Contest

From the wonderful world of the carnival season, the Lake Charles / Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau will bring Mardi Gras to life with our Shoebox Float Contest.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 11, 2019

Make sure to come and view the floats! Awards will be presented Saturday, February 2, 2019 by Gumbeaux Gator at the Bureau at 12:00 p.m. Shoebox floats will remain on display at the Bureau through Wednesday, March 6, 2019. The People’s Choice Award will also be announced on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

Shoebox Floats represent a seasonal piece of Louisiana, and every family member can join in the creative fun. 

RULES:

1. Your float must be made from a traditional cardboard shoebox no larger than 9” x 13” and limited only by your imagination.   
2. Decorations on the box should not exceed 15” tall. 
3. Avoid wheels, placing float on truck body, motorized toys or a piece of cardboard larger than the shoebox.
4. An amateur applicant may one enter one float per applicant.
5. A school group may enter no more than three floats per class.
6. The name of the individual or school group must be placed on the bottom of the float only.
7. Floats will be received on Friday, February 1, 2019 from 3:00 – 4:30 pm at the Bureau.
8. Judging will be based on theme, originality and construction.  1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place.
9. Awards will be presented Saturday, February 2, 2019 by Gumbeaux Gator at the Bureau at 12:00 p.m.
10. Shoebox floats will remain on display at the Bureau through Wednesday, March 6, 2019.
11. The People’s Choice Award will also be announced on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.
12. Once the display has concluded, the floats must be picked up by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2019. Any floats not picked up by this date will be discarded.

For information, contact the Cindy Johnson with the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at (337) 502-4351 or 1-800-456-SWLA.

PRIZES:

Best of Show $75 + 2 Royal Gala Tickets
   Child $50 + 2 Royal Gala Tickets (1st), $25 (2nd)
   Teen $50 + 2 Royal Gala Tickets (1st), $25 (2nd)
   Adult $50 + 2 Royal Gala Tickets (1st), $25 (2nd)

Pre-K / Elementary School Groups & Organizations: 
   Gumbeaux Gator Party! (1st)
   $25 gift certificate for a class/group party (2nd)

Middle School / High School Groups & Organizations: 
   $50 gift certificate for a class/group party (1st)
   $25 gift certificate for a class/group party (2nd)

Professional
   $50 + 2 Royal Gala Tickets (1st), $25 (2nd)

All Categories: Plaques (1st / 2nd) & Ribbons (3rd)

 Mardi Gras Shoebox Contest Form