Meridian celebrates its 'little' Mardi Gras every year, but officials say expect some big changes Friday and Saturday, Jan. 25-26.

"We have enough events that we can hold a two-day event and get people from Meridian as well as the region to come here for this event," said planning committee member, Michele Pearson. "We say we are all the fun of New Orleans Mardi Gras but in a family style.

The event also kicks off the 2008 Mardi Gras season with a new name. No longer called 'Little Mardi Gras', it's now 'Meridian Mardi Gras' with an exciting lineup of events on schedule.

There will be six parades, a number of music events, not to mention plenty of gumbo and the associated gumbo cook-off.

The MSU Riley Center will also be celebrating with a special concert Jan. 25.

"In conjunction with Meridian Mardi Gras, we have a concert scheduled Friday night the 25th; it is with Ruthie Foster," said marketing director Penny Kemp. "She performed here last year. She opened for Bo Diddley; she absolutely stole the show, a phenomenal artist. She performs a mix, folk, rock blues and a little gospel influence."

Tickets are still available for the concert, for $16.00 and $22.00. The MSU Riley Center also plans to hold two guided tours of the theater the following day, Saturday.

Mardi Gras organizers are asking people to come out and have a great time at Meridian Mardi Gras 2008.

For a complete schedule of events and ticket information, click on the links below.