Hachie Gras Parade

What began in 2003 as a Mardi Gras parade hosted by College Street Pub has grown into Waxahachie’s own signature tradition: the Hachie Gras Parade. From its early days of pub regulars and a few floats, the parade has blossomed into a city-wide celebration with Odd Fellows Lodge #80 & Rebekah's Lodge #381, downtown merchants, and local organizations keeping the beads flying and the music playing.

Today, the Hachie Gras Parade kicks off a full day of Mardi Gras fun in downtown Waxahachie — organized by the Waxahachie Food & Beverage Collective, Odd Fellows Lodge #80, and Rebekah’s Lodge #381, with generous support from sponsors and community partners.

Be Part of the Parade!

Bring your creativity, color, and community spirit — the Hachie Gras Parade is looking for floats, krewes, marching groups, and organizations to join the fun! This is your chance to showcase your business, school, club, or nonprofit while celebrating Mardi Gras in the heart of Waxahachie. Click here to register today!

How to Participate

• Entries: Entries of all kinds are welcome - floats, vehicles, walking groups, etc. We ask that every entry be decked out Mardi Gras style - the more thematic and bold, the better!
• Entry Fee: $50 per entry (float, vehicle, walking group, etc.)
  • If there are multiple vehicles or components to your entry (ex. multiple jeeps as part of the Ellis County Jeep Club), only (1) entry fee will be collected on behalf of the entire business/organization/group.
• Community Impact: 100% of all entry fees benefit I.O.O.F. Lodge #80 & Rebekah's Lodge #381 and are also donated to local charities
• Check-In: Participants will receive a bead starter kit at parade check-in (supplying your own beads is STRONGLY encouraged!)
• Follow all rules & regulations as listed below.

Rules & Regulations

• To keep the parade safe and family-friendly, all participants must follow these guidelines:
• The Parade Committee reserves the right to reject any entry not appropriate for the event.
• Marchers must be 10 years of age or older; younger children must ride on a float or vehicle.
• Riders must remain on floats or vehicles once the parade begins.
• No equine entries and no 18-wheelers are permitted.
• Nothing may be thrown from floats or vehicles (candy, beads, flags, etc.). Beads should be handed out to spectators.
• A trophy will be awarded for the Best Hachie Gras Float — so go big, bold, and colorful!

Interested in being a part of the fun? Click here to register today!

Odd Fellows Lodge #80 & Rebekah’s Lodge #381

Tucked right into the heart of downtown Waxahachie are two historic organizations that have been quietly making a big impact for generations: Odd Fellows Lodge #80 and Rebekah’s Lodge #381.

Who They Are

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) is one of the oldest service organizations in the world, built on the values of Friendship, Love, and Truth. Lodge #80 has been part of Waxahachie since the 1800s, serving as a hub for fellowship and community service.

The Rebekahs were formed as the sister branch of the Odd Fellows, originally to bring women into the tradition of service. Today, Rebekah’s Lodge #381 works hand-in-hand with Lodge #80 to continue that mission.

For more information about the

Why They’re Important

These lodges aren’t just fraternal groups — they are community anchors. Together, they:

• Support local charities that help Waxahachie families in need
• Raise funds for causes like youth programs, food assistance, and community health
• Maintain one of downtown’s historic landmarks through the Odd Fellows Building Fund, preserving Waxahachie’s heritage for future generations
• Host and partner in events like Hachie Gras and OddFest, which bring people together and pour energy into our downtown district

What They Do for the Community

By blending tradition with service, Odd Fellows Lodge #80 and Rebekah’s Lodge #381 create opportunities for fellowship while directing their efforts outward — where they’re needed most.

Whether it’s supporting local nonprofits, helping neighbors during hard times, or keeping history alive through preservation, these organizations are woven into the fabric of Waxahachie.

---

For more information about the organizations:

• Odd Fellows Lodge #80 Facebook Page
• Rebekah’s Lodge #381 Facebook Page