SALISBURY — Mardi Gras is coming to Salisbury.

Communities in Schools-Rowan is reimagining what fundraising can be and bringing a little Louisiana flare along for the ride.

Director James Davis said on Thursday that his program has been working to create the classic festival in downtown Salisbury as a way to raise funding and awareness for CIS.

“We wanted a fun, relaxing atmosphere for people to come out, learn about CIS,” Davis said, later adding, “A lot of people have never been to New Orleans. They have just heard about it. We are trying to bring the feel of New Orleans to this first one. We want people to come out and dress up and bring Mardi Gras here to North Carolina.”

The event is scheduled for March 8, at 6 p.m., where the Salisbury Farmers Market is held on Saturdays at the corner of North Lee and East Kerr streets.

“We worked with Rowan County Tourism, who helped us out by getting us the farmers market space when we brought this up,” Davis said.

Davis and his fellow organizers plan to bring all the expected festivities to downtown Salisbury during the event, utilizing a Rowan County Tourism trolley as a backdrop.

“One trolley will be stationary so it will serve as the backdrop,” Davis said. “This year, because we did not have time to make floats, we are going to decorate the trolley as if it is one of the floats. It will give a launchpad for throwing beads and a place to take photos.”

The organizers plan to use the other trolley in the fleet for shuttling visitors and guests since downtown parking can be limited.

Davis pointed out that the decision to use that space was intentional to highlight that part of downtown.

“We have already talked to Rail Walk and (Waterworks Visual Arts Center) to stay open that night to give people the chance to come out and explore that area,” Davis said.

The event will also feature a DJ, Mz Good Newz (Genia Woods) as an emcee, masquerade masks and another New Orleans staple.

“We have a second line coming out for a few times during the ceremony,” Davis said.

A second line is a parade tradition featuring brass instruments.

There will be food vendors on site as well as small business vendors. Applications to be a part of the event are being accepted until Feb. 24. Vendors will be able to set up between 3-5 p.m. after the farmers market breaks down.

“We made sure we are able to bring some small businesses out there with us, so the community can see what they have,” Davis said.

There is also going to be an opportunity for bourbon tasting for NC distilleries and wine offerings.

Davis is optimistic about what this means for the future of CIS fundraising.

“We wanted to change fundraising by having a community event,” he said. “We have a lot of events but every one does not always know about them.

“It really is going to be centered around building a long term community event. This is probably going to be our signature event.”

Anyone interested in being a vendor is encouraged to call the CIS office at 704-797-0210.

“We want to make sure we get whoever wants to be out there out there,” Davis said.