Hendersonville Mardi Gras: 'T-Rex Parade
Hendersonville’s First ‘T-Rex Parade
What is the 'T-Rex Parade?
Inspired by New Orleans’ beloved Petit Rəx Parade, Hendersonville is bringing the magic of miniature Mardi Gras floats to Main Street! Think shoebox-sized creations full of imagination, humor, and local flair—rolled out for everyone to enjoy.
What started in New Orleans as a playful response to giant Mardi Gras spectacles has become a tradition of its own. Tiny floats, big laughs, and an up-close parade experience where every detail shines.
ABOUT THE PARADE:
Downtown Hendersonville will be hosting its inaugural Petit Rex (“Small king” or ‘T-Rex) Mardi Gras style sidewalk parade on February 7, 2026 at 2pm.
Groups, organizations and businesses are invited to register their 'Krewe' to participate in the micro-parade, which will start at the Hendersonville Welcome Center, walking north on the sidewalk, cross Main Street, and return south on the east side of Main Street.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
1. Form your Krewe
Fitting with the tradition of Mardi Gras, you are invited to form a 'Krewe' to design your float (wagon) and participate in the parade.
What is a Krewe? In the Hendersonville Mardi Gras, a Krewe is simply a group, organization, club, or business who would like to decorate a wagon and participate in the parade.
There will be a maximum of 20 Krewes.
2. Register your Krewe
All entries will be given a small wooden wagon built by the Apple Country Woodcrafters (ACW) to decorate. The registration fee of $250 is a fundraiser for the Apple Country Woodcrafters (ACW), supporting their annual toy drive, giving away more than 3000 wooden toys to local nonprofits.
3. Decorate your Float!
The theme for the 2026 Parade is Mountain Mardi Gras. Krewe's will decorate their mini-float with their interpretation of the theme. (HINT - Google 'Petit Rex Parade' and check out some ideas!). Prizes will be awarded for the best floats.
4. Plan your own Mardi Gras Events leading up to the parade!
Krewes, businesses, nonprofits and friends are invited to plan your own 'Mardi Gras' style event or activity leading up to the parade. Events taking place in Downtown (Main Street and 7th Avenue Districts) will be promoted as a part of the Hendersonville Mardi Gras festivities. Businesses are encouraged to take advantage of this promotion, creating a unique marketing attraction during the colder winter months. Some examples:
- Cajun Cookoffs, or Cajun-inspired dishes at restaurants
- Mask making parties
- King Cake parties
- Balls or Gala events
- Costume Contests
5. Enjoy the parade!
Krewe's will show off their floats on the sidewalks of Main Street in Downtown Hendersonville, starting at the Hendersonville Welcome Center, and making their way up the west side of Main Street, then back south on the East Side. More details to come!
Sign up your Krewe!
About Apple Country Woodcrafters (ACW)
We’re excited to partner with Apple Country Woodcrafters, a local nonprofit woodworking club founded in 1985. ACW is best known for their incredible Annual Toy Drive, where members handcraft and donate over 2,500 wooden toys each year to brighten the holidays for local children.
For the T-Rex Parade, ACW is building the mini-wagons that serve as the parade “floats,” giving participants a creative way to decorate and join in on the fun. Their work not only brings joy to the community, but also supports local nonprofits through service, education, and fellowship.
Learn more about ACW at applecountrywoodcrafters.org.