Hendersonville Announces First-Ever “’T-Rex Parade” – A Mini Mardi Gras on Main Street

 Downtown Hendersonville is set to bring big fun in tiny form with the debut of its first-ever ‘T-Rex Parade on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Inspired by New Orleans’ whimsical Petit Rəx Parade, Hendersonville’s version will showcase shoebox-sized floats brimming with imagination, humor, and local flair.

Unlike traditional Mardi Gras spectacles, the ‘T-Rex Parade invites the community to experience Mardi Gras magic on a miniature scale. Picture wagons transformed into vibrant floats, rolling along the sidewalks of Main Street, offering spectators a close-up view of every creative detail.

“This event combines creativity, community spirit, and a little Mardi Gras fun during an otherwise sleepy time of year in downtown Hendersonville,” said Jamie Carpenter, Downtown Manager. “We are so excited to partner with Apple Country Woodcrafters on this event and can’t wait to see everyone bring the ‘Mountain Mardi Gras’ theme to life.”

How It Works:

1. Form a Krewe: Groups, businesses, nonprofits, or friends are invited to create a “Krewe” and decorate their mini-float (wagon) for the parade.

1. Register Your Krewe: Participation is limited to 20 Krewes. Registration is $250 per entry, which includes a wooden wagon handcrafted by Apple Country Woodcrafters (ACW). Proceeds from the fee benefit ACW’s Annual Toy Drive, which provides more than 3,000 wooden toys each year to local nonprofits.

1. Decorate Your Float: The 2026 theme is “Mountain Mardi Gras.” Floats will be judged, and prizes will be awarded.

1. Plan Festivities: Downtown businesses and organizations are encouraged to host Mardi Gras-inspired events leading up to parade day. Think Cajun cookoffs, king cake parties, mask-making workshops, costume contests and more!

1. Join the Parade on February 7. All Krewes will step off in the inaugural parade, starting at the Hendersonville Welcome Center, walking north along the west side of Main Street, cross over, and return south on the east side finishing at Oklawaha Brewing Company for an after party and float design contest.

About Apple Country Woodcrafters

Founded in 1985, Apple Country Woodcrafters is a local nonprofit woodworking club dedicated to service, education, and fellowship. Best known for their Annual Toy Drive, ACW members handcraft and donate thousands of wooden toys each year to brighten the holidays for local children. For the ‘T-Rex Parade, ACW is building mini-wagons that will serve as the foundation for each float. Learn more at applecountrywoodcrafters.org.

Registration & More Information

Registration for the ‘T-Rex Parade is now open. To secure a spot for your Krewe or to learn more about Hendersonville’s first Mardi Gras celebration, visit hendersonvillenc.gov/mardigras.