MARCH 21, 2012 -- Forget the hype. Marche Du Nain Rouge is the real deal. You missed the first year. We know. Don’t regret it again.

Two years ago, 300 or so Detroiters marched down Cass Corridor to chase out the Nain Rogue -- an infamous red dwarf for spotted by city founder Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac (who certainly enjoyed a drink or two back in the day) nearly 300 years ago. Since the initial sightings, the Nain Rouge has said to bring bad luck to the city. This Sunday, approximately 2,000 Detroiters will help keep the red dwarf away for one more year and bring good luck and fortune to the city of Detroit. Peter Van Dyke has a great account of the history surrounding Marche Du Nain Rogue over at the Huffington Post.

The Mardi Gras-style function (with many defenders of good building their own floats, costumes and chariots) kicks off at Traffic Jam & Snug. From there, patrons will chase the Nain Rouge down Cass Corridor and to Cass Park and the Masonic Temple -- where, in true Detroit fashion, an epic after party (food, drinks, music) will take place.

For more information, visit the official Marche Du Nain Rogue website or check out Donna Terek's video for the Detroit News. [PD]