Loxton’s 68th Mardi Gras Family Festival is one of Australia’s longest-running community parades and provides an opportunity to come together and celebrate the town and greater district. On Saturday, there will be a market and food stalls, an art exhibition, children’s entertainment and games, bands, a parade of 50+ floats and vehicles, Nippy’s Great Underarm Orange Bowling Event, followed by the announcement of the foat prize winners and the presentation and crowning of Ambassadors. The Mardi Gras is a free entry family fun day, with money raised going towards community projects and most years the event raises thousands of dollars through the efforts of many volunteers. This year’s theme is to be announced. On Sunday morning, the Mardi Gras Appreciation Service will be held at the Rotunda in East Terrace honouring a South Australian military nurse, local volunteers and a presentation made to the 2025 Parade Flagbearers.