Mardi Gras in the Spa History

2026 Archive

The Year It All Began

Take a look back at the inaugural Mardi Gras in the Spa and the people, moments and memories that helped launch a new Hot Springs tradition.

February 15, 2026

Our Inaugural Celebration

In 2026, downtown Hot Springs welcomed the first Mardi Gras in the Spa — a community celebration filled with music, food, costumes, entertainment and Mardi Gras spirit.

Approximately 4,000 people joined us and helped turn an idea into something we knew could become a lasting annual tradition.

This archive preserves where the story started. From our inaugural King and Queen to the people who filled the streets and made the day memorable, these pages celebrate the first chapter of Mardi Gras in the Spa.

Explore the Inaugural Year

2026 Mardi Gras in the Spa

Revisit the people and moments that helped define our first year.

Inaugural Royalty

King Alex Mouton

Meet our inaugural King and learn more about his military service, business leadership and commitment to the Hot Springs community.

Meet King Alex → Inaugural Royalty

Queen Sharon Turrentine

Discover the remarkable story of our inaugural Queen and her lifetime of achievement, music, fitness and community service.

Meet Queen Sharon → Relive the Celebration

2026 Photo Gallery

Scroll through the people, smiles, costumes and Mardi Gras memories captured throughout our inaugural celebration.

View the Photo Gallery →

A Look Back

One Incredible First Year

≈ 4,000 People Hot Springs showed up for the inaugural Mardi Gras in the Spa.

Downtown Hot Springs The celebration brought people together in the heart of our city.

A Tradition Begins 2026 created the foundation for everything Mardi Gras in the Spa is becoming.

From the Beginning to What’s Next

The Story Continues

The inaugural celebration gave us the foundation. Now we’re building on it with new traditions, new experiences and even more ways for Hot Springs to celebrate together.

Explore Mardi Gras in the Spa 2027