Good morning, Lafayette.

The Krewe of Rio is preparing for a Mardi Gras parade that will roll through downtown Lafayette on Saturday, Feb.

7. Members gathered Saturday morning (in New Iberia) to load floats with beads, throws and Brazilian-themed decor for the event.

Pre-K teacher Amy Word of Westside Elementary is a finalist for the Education All-Stars award by Love Our Schools.

She will be honored at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette men’s basketball game on Feb. 7 (winners to be announced during halftime).

Milton Elementary-Middle's third grade math teacher Annette Bodin was named a finalist for the Education All-Stars award by nonprofit Love Our Schools.

She will be honored — with other finalists — during the University of Louisiana at Lafayette men’s basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 7.

On Friday, Jan. 30, the American Heart Association hosted its annual Breakfast in Red at the Petroleum Club where attendees enjoyed a heart-healthy meal and learned about local heart health efforts ahead of National Wear Red Day next Friday.

Permits issued during the week of Jan.

21 to 27 allow $2.4 million in repairs and $240,000 for door work at the Walmart Supercenter on W. Pinhook Road, with ARL Construction and Stuart and Co. leading projects in Lafayette (total value over $2.6M).

Mardi Gras Mambo II

1-3 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $30 per person — Enjoy a family-friendly art session in a lively atmosphere.

Courir de Mardi Gras

10 AM – 4 PM — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — Free entry — Experience a vibrant family-friendly Mardi Gras run with traditional music and gumbo gathering.

Roux Fest Gumbo Cookoff

5-8 p.m. — Blackham Coliseum — Proceeds support local nonprofits — Experience a vibrant gumbo showdown blending tradition and innovation with live music.

The Hub Lafayette Runwell 5K Walk/Run

8 AM – 12 PM — Geaux Run by Fleet Feet — Registration fees apply — Enjoy a family-friendly 5K and Kids Fun Run in Lafayette.

SPE International Conference on Formation Damage Control

February 18-20 — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette — Check website for cost — A conference focusing on engineering challenges in formation damage control.

Chris Thomas King Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful sounds of Chris Thomas King, a significant figure in folk blues history.

Ragin' Cajuns All Girl Cheer Clinic

3:00–6:00 p.m. — EK Long Annex — Registration required — Elevate your cheer skills with hands-on training and recruitment opportunities led by experienced coaches.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons

6:00-6:59 p.m. — Petroleum Club of Lafayette — Tickets required — Experience a magical evening of live music featuring the hits of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.

NoCap Live in Concert

9 p.m. — The District Event Center — No refunds — Experience an electrifying night with NoCap live in Lafayette.