13th annual Eureka Gras Mardi Gras extravaganza
Last month, the 13th annual Eureka Gras Mardi Gras extravaganza kicked off in Eureka Springs with the Kings Day Kick-Off Gala. This event was the site of the official announcement of the Royal Court and Monarchs of the Krewe of Krazo at the Rowdy Beaver.
The Dukes and Duchesses of 2018 were anointed by King Krazo XIII and Queen Eureka XIII at the extravaganza. With revelry, they led the group into the parking lot to perform the traditional 2nd Line.
Events continue in February with Captain Mary and the “Krewe of Krazo” (Ozark spelled backward) prepared to Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the good times roll)!
This year’s theme is “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
The Coronation Masquerade Ball on Friday, February 2, is the formal event at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center at 205 W. Van Buren. The event will feature a champagne buffet dinner and live music. The center will be full of tables decorated in Mardi Gras style. The King and Queen, along with their Royal Court, will promenade around the ballroom and guests will enjoy champagne and a buffet dinner. Music will be provided by Dr. Nola and the Soulshakers.
Saturday, February 3 is the Light and Sound Night Parade at 6 p.m. following the usual parade route from the Carnegie Public Library, down Spring Street to the Court House on Main Street. After the parade downtown, there will be the 5th Annual Black Lite Ball at 7 p.m. at Chelsea’s Café located at 10 Mountain Street.
The Jokers Masquerade Ball takes place on Friday, February 9 at 6 p.m. at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center. There’ll be music, a mini parade, buffet with heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Prizes will be awarded for best costume.
The second Mardi Gras parade, led by the Krewe of Krazo, will roll downtown on Saturday, February 10 at 2 p.m.
That night, the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Ball will be held at the Basin Park Hotel featuring Mayor Butch Berry and the Mardi Gras Royalty. Costumes are encouraged.
The next morning on Sunday, February 11, those who are up for it after all the parties will hit the New Orleans-style Jazz Brunch at the Crescent Hotel at 11:30 a.m. at 75 Prospect, featuring live music from Crescent City Combo. Reservations are required and may be made by the hotel.
On Fat Tuesday, February 13, the finale is the Saint ‘Lizbeth King Cake Ball and dinner. Music by Naturally Brass begins at 6 p.m. at the St. Elizabeth Parish Center at 232 Passion Play Road. An oyster bar, gourmet Cajun dinner and praline King Cake are sure to satisfy.
For more information on all events and tickets, visit
www.EurekaSpringsMardiGras.org.
The Gayly. February 2, 2018. 9:40 a.m. CST.