More Lake Charles Parades ... Follow link for parade details. Krewe du Lac - Queens Pageants Parade Parade City: Lake Charles (Calcasieu Parish) Map It Parade Date: January 5, 2008 Description: Lake Charles Civic Center, Contraband Room Saturday, January 5, Times Vary Mardi Gras royalty and the drama of competition. Young ladies and women from five parishes vie for the cherished Miss and Ms. Mardi Gras crowns. Seven “Miss” queens are selected ranging from ages five to 23, and one “Ms.” 24 and older, based on their poise, posture, beauty, personality, and grace. The overall Miss Mardi Gras enters the state-wide Queen of Queens competition. The Misses of Mardi Gras highlight the youthful spirit and beauty of Southwest Louisiana during the carnival season. Morning-to-night pageants are held at Lake Charles Civic Center Contraband Room, approximately one month before Mardi Gras day so that the queens will reign over the season. The competition is visited by queens of state fairs and festivals and is open to the public; tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 12 years old and under, and commemorative program books are $5.