With Mardi Gras fast approaching, Ochsner Hospital for Children will be presenting the 4th Annual King Cake Festival on Jan. 29.
This festival, benefiting babies and children, will be held in Champions Square at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
Though the event is free and open to the public, there will be a plethora of opportunities to give money to the cause by participating in the Rep Run and the Fun Run.
The Rep Run, at 2.8 miles, includes nine workout stations with 25 repetitions each, led by Ochsner fitness instructors, according to the event’s website. This run is more challenging than the Family Fun Run, which is one mile around the Superdome’s plaza level and up and down the ramps at Gate C.
The cost of registration varies for children and adults. If purchased early, the entry fee is $25 for adults and $15 for children. If purchased the day of the event, the cost is $30 for adults and $20 for children.
The registration cost covers access to the races, a bib number, a T-shirt and five free tasting tickets for adult registrants — or for youth registrants, five game tickets.
Awards will be given to the first place overall finishers for the men’s and women’s divisions and to first place youth male and female runners. In addition, awards will be given to the groups that have the best costumes and most decorated strollers. Prizes include club level tickets to a 2017 Pelicans game, a one-year supply of free Smoothie King and much more.
“My family and I go every year, and we participate in the Family Fun Run,” kinesiology freshman Kayla Smith said. “This year we are trying our hardest to win the best costume.”
The event will feature live music from Remedy Rock, Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars, and Flow Tribe. Of course, festival-goers will also be able to taste some of the best king cakes in town.
This is an event where people can come together, as friends, family and as a community, to enjoy each other’s company and devour delicious king cakes.
“I am definitely going to the King Cake Festival,” pre-nursing sophomore Kaila Crossley said. “In my opinion, king cake is one of the best parts of Mardi Gras, so to be able to taste different kinds all day will be great.”
The festival will be serving cakes from many local bakeries including The Kupcake Factory, The Buttermilk Drop and Whole Foods. A few awards handed out to cake winners last year included “Best Presentation,” “Most Unique” and “People’s Choice.”
Volunteers are always needed to assist with the Fun Run & Fitness Challenge, sell tasting tickets, provide information to attendees and sell merchandise. Those interested in volunteering can apply on the event’s website.