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RVCA Carti Gras 2025

A Rolling Celebration

By Luci Mazza

he streets of Rio Vista were alive with color, music, and the Museum of Discovery and Science added an extra touch
community spirit as Carti Gras 2025 rolled through the of magic, helping to bring all the children together in a fun
Tneighborhood in spectacular fashion! This year’s event, way with STEAM magnet painting. And, of course, the event
hosted at Virginia Young Park, was bigger and better than ever, wouldn’t have been the same without the amazing sounds
bringing together families, friends, and local businesses for a of “Carlos and the “Mardi Grays”, whose live music kept
Mardi Gras-style golf cart parade that won’t soon be forgotten. everyone dancing and celebrating well into the evening. Thank
you to Tripp Scott PA for sponsoring our amazing live music!
Residents went all out, transforming their golf carts into
dazzling floats adorned with beads, inflatables, fog machines Halo Project Food Truck quelled our fix for food straight from
and creative themes. The excitement kicked off at Virginia Bourbon street with drool worthy beignets, gumbo and po boys.
Young Park, where participants gathered before embarking Special thank you to RVCA Board member Bill Kirk and all the
on a lively parade route down Ponce de Leon Drive, winding volunteers who helped with their constant support and making
through the heart of Rio Vista before making a grand finale Carti Gras a true neighborhood celebration. Additional
along Rio Vista Boulevard. Spectators lined the streets, thanks to our prize sponsors: Phat Boy Sushi, Thermae, New
cheering, dancing, and catching beads as the carts rolled by, River Cafe and Bakery and B’s Auto Detailing for supplying
bringing the spirit of New Orleans straight to Fort Lauderdale. amazing winner prizes.
A huge thank you goes out to our incredible sponsors who Carti Gras is more than just a parade—it’s a testament to the
helped make this event possible. Beachside Golf Cars played strong, vibrant, and creative community we have here in Rio
a key role in the event, showing off a state of the art golf car Vista. The event continues to grow each year, and we can’t
model. Kristen from Tarpon River Brewing joined in showcasing wait to see what’s in store for 2026! Until then, let the good
some of their favorite beverages and Trevor and Sydney from times keep rolling!

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