Meridian Mardi Gras 2008 has someone besides the traditional 'king' to preside over the festivities.

Carolyn Smith was announced as this year's Mardi Gras Queen. She will have a special place and she says it's a great honor.

"It's very, very special to me, because the people I work with selected me to this," said Smith. "And that means a lot, because they see how hard you've worked and how you're dedicated to downtown, and it really means an awful lot to me."

This year's Meridian Mardi Gras will be held over two nights, Jan. 25-26, in downtown Meridian.

Click on the link below to visit the Web site of the Meridian Downtown Association and fine out about Meridian Mardi Gras activities.