The 28th annual Krewe of O.A.K. Mid-Summer Mardi Gras parade is set to roll down Oak Street on Saturday, August 23.

Photo by Kim Welsh

The festivities begin at the Maple Leaf Bar, where an official “Royal Balcony” ceremony will kick things off at 7 p.m.

At precisely 7:30 p.m., the parade begins to roll down Oak to Carrollton, up to Palmer Park at the corner of Carrollton and Claiborne, and back to the Maple Leaf.

Organizers have advised revelers to bring extra water since there will be none provided at Palmer Park.

As always, the parade is free and open to everyone, although costumes are strongly encouraged.

This year’s theme is “Rub it All Over Your Body,” and ZomBeads, a New Orleans based company that produces throws made from locally sourced, sustainable and recycled materials, will participate in the parade.

For more information, visit the Krewe of O.A.K.’s Facebook page.