Olive Branch Mardi Gras Parade Adds Battle of the Bands
The Olive Branch Mardi Gras parade is adding a new twist for its fifth year. The Olive Twig Humanitarian Group says it will hold its first-ever Battle of the Bands during the 2027 parade in historic Old Towne Olive Branch. Local high school bands will compete for a trophy, bragging rights and a $1,000 grand prize. The City of Olive Branch shared the news on its official Facebook page, along with a note from Mayor Ken Adams.
The 5th Annual Mardi Gras Parade is set for Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027, at 1 p.m. in Old Towne.
Olive Branch Mardi Gras Battle of the Bands Details
- What: First Battle of the Bands at the 5th Annual Mardi Gras Parade
- When: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027, 1 p.m.
- Where: Historic Old Towne Olive Branch
- Prize: An official trophy and a $1,000 grand prize
- Host: Olive Twig Humanitarian Group
- Contact: olivetwighumanitarian@gmail.com for team registration packets, sponsorship forms and entry guidelines
The group’s announcement calls the competition a chance for schools to show off their musical talent and program pride in front of the whole community. It tagged several DeSoto County high schools: Olive Branch, Center Hill, DeSoto Central, Lewisburg, Horn Lake, Lake Cormorant and Southaven.
A Growing Old Towne Tradition
The Olive Twig Humanitarian Group has done charitable work in Olive Branch schools and the community for more than 40 years. The 2027 parade will be its fifth Mardi Gras parade in Old Towne.
The event has grown each year. Ahead of the fourth parade in February 2026, organizers Taylor Wiles and Jaime O’Bar said participant and vendor numbers had doubled since the first parade, and that the money raised helps local schools and pays for scholarships for graduating seniors. That parade started near Olive Branch High School at 1 p.m., with food trucks, live music and a kids’ zone opening earlier in the day near City Hall. The 2026 lineup included high school dance teams, local businesses and law enforcement agencies, and a judging station sat in front of the Olive Branch Chamber. Adding a band competition gives high school musicians their own chance to perform along the route.
The parade also helps fund community causes. Earlier this fall, the Olive Branch Police Department said the group had supported its Camp B.U.I.L.D. and Camp S.H.A.P.E. youth programs with backing from Mardi Gras parade sponsors.
How Bands and Sponsors Can Get Involved
Band directors who want to enter should email the Olive Twig Humanitarian Group for a registration packet and entry guidelines. Businesses that want to sponsor the parade or the band competition can ask for sponsorship forms at the same address. The group says it will post parade entry updates on its Facebook page.
Related: Olive Twig Humanitarian group supports Olive Branch police camps and Olive Branch Mardi Gras parade returns for fourth year.
Source: City of Olive Branch (Facebook) and the Olive Twig Humanitarian Group
