BOGALUSA – The annual Milltown Classic 5K Walk/Run will jump-start Bogalusa’s Mardi Gras parade beginning at 9 a.m. Feb. 5.

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Bogalusa, the race will start and finish at the entrance to Cassidy Park on Willis Avenue. The “wheeled-loop” course is hilly, fast, and friendly and ends on a downhill slope, according to organizers.

The Classic is open to runners, joggers, race walkers and walkers of all ages and abilities.

5K cash awards of $50 will be given to the overall winners in both male and female categories.

The first Rotarian from any club, the first three race walkers in both male and female categories and the first three overall in both male an female categories will also win awards.

And the top three runners in each age category, male and female, will win awards, with all finishers 12 years old and under getting ribbons.

Registration will start at 7:30 a.m. The fee is $15 for adult participants and $7 for children under 12.

All racers will receive a long-sleeved t-shirt and may attend a post-Classic social that will include food and beverages for participants.

The parade, The Magic City Carnival Associations 25th annual, will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, and racers are encouraged to stay for the largest parade north of Lake Ponchartrain and the largest Mardi Gras event in the world for a city under 15,000 population.

For additional information about the Milltown Classic, contact John Ferguson at 985-732-6310 or jferguso@gaylordchem.com.

For information about the parade, contact the Washington Parish Touri Commission at 1-888-827-7118 or the Bogalusa Chamber of Commerce for additional information at 985-735-5731 or contact via email info@bogalusachamber.cc .