Courtesy Photo
Let the good times roll!
Fayetteville Mardi Gras is celebrating 25 years of merriment and mayhem, beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, with The Parade of Fools winding its way from the Fayetteville Square to Dickson Street.
The Fayetteville version of the New Orleans festival started in 1992 by a small group of friends who felt they were missing out on the Carnival festivities and wanted to establish a Mardis Gras tradition on Dickson Street.
Continuing that tradition, this year offers a variety of traditional Mardi Gras festivities. The schedule promises bead-filled fun for all ages, with local Mardi Gras events sure to shake off the winter blues. The event is sponsored by The Committee for Fayetteville Mardi Gras Inc., a non-profit organization, and donates a share of each year’s proceeds to local charities.
2016 Mardi Gras of Fayetteville Schedule:
• Saturday, Feb. 6: Bring the kids to the family-friendly Fat Saturday Parade of Fools, as it winds its way from the Fayetteville Square to Dickson Street. Always a Northwest Arkansas favorite, the 2 p.m. parade is a colorful mix of beads, costumed revelers and festive floats.
• Tuesday, Feb. 9:
The merriment continues on Dickson Street with the Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration with the Demented Krewe. The evening offers lots of grownup fun, with live Cajun music from Billy Zydeco and coronation of the Royalty at 8:00 p.m., hosted by Farrell’s on Dickson. At 8:30 p.m. a Traditional “Second Line” Foot Parade, abundant in costumed revelry and bead tossing, leaves Farrell’s and meanders along the Downtown Entertainment District, finishing at George’s Majestic Lounge, which is hosting a free Fat Tuesday show with Mountain Sprout. Audience participation is always welcomed and encouraged.
The public is invited and encouraged to join in the merriment. Volunteers are needed. Parade walkers, barricade workers, business and personal float entries, clubs and walking groups are encouraged to sign up at the Fayetteville Mardis Gras website, http://www.fayettevillemardigras.com/.
Get Involved
Individuals or groups interested in participating can find information and downloadable forms at www.fayettevillemardigras.com or contact the group via Facebook www.facebook.com/fayettevillemardigras.
