![Mack Thetford, left, and Vernon Compton participate in a Milton Mardi Gras parade. [File photo]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-60ae6b2f-6741-0a63-e053-0100007f15f5-b08f8c5b-scaled.jpeg)
MILTON — In 2016, Milton celebrated 100 years of Mardi Gras but the city may not have a Mardi Gras parade in 2018.
Main Street Milton treasurer Connie Clark was a primary organizer of the parade but due to a new job she says she no longer has time to continue those efforts. Clark is the manager at the CEFCO convenience store and gas station on the corner of Avalon Boulevard and Highway 90 in Milton.
"It’s a big concern the parade won’t happen," Clark said. "I’d love to see it continue but I can’t do it."
Gathering applications from participants, organizing the parade route, holding the drivers’ meeting and paying the insurance and securing use of the road were some of the responsibilities Clark said took time.
Clark encourages other nonprofits to take over the parade.
"If there is another nonprofit [that takes over], I will still help them," she said.
Vernon Compton volunteered with MSM, helping with the floats and decorations in past Mardi Gras parades.
"I’m supportive of parades in Milton," Compton said. "I think they add a lot to the community and bring a lot of joy."
Clark is available at 380-9607 for any nonprofits interested in taking over the city’s annual Mardi Gras parade.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: City may lose Mardi Gras parade