The History of the Gulf Coast Carnival Association

Ivan Spinner, the owner of Spinner Real Estate as well as several other companies, holds membership in many community organizations in the Biloxi, Mississippi area. One of the organizations Ivan Spinner is involved with is the Gulf Coast Carnival Association, which hosts Biloxi's Mardi Gras parade as well as other Gulf Coast Mardi Gras activities.

In operation for more than 100 years, the Gulf Coast Carnival Association began to take shape after hosting the first Biloxi Mardi Gras Parade in 1908, when it had just 17 floats, 50 flambeau carriers, and a 12-piece band. The organization coalesced into the Biloxi Carnival and Literary Association eight years later, when its initial purpose was to promote the study of literature and Greek mythology through artistic float design.

The next few decades saw a steady expansion of the organization as it included other Gulf Coast cities, leading to its eventual rebranding as the Gulf Coast Carnival Association. The organization has celebrated Mardi Gras continuously since its inception, except when preempted by national or regional emergencies.