Laissez les bon temps rouler in Eureka Springs

The tenth annual ‘Eureka Gras Mardi Gras Extravaganza’ has kicked off, but a dozen more events follow throughout February and March, with this year’s theme being “Carnival around the World.” The Eureka Springs “Krewe of Krazo” (Ozarks spelled backwards) is prepared to laissez les bon temps rouler!

Friday, February 6is the Mayor’s Ball at the Basin Park Hotel at 12 Spring Street. Doors open at 6pm with live music from Joe Giles and the Homewreckers from 7 to 10pm. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at www.reserveeureka.com.

Saturday, February 7, is the Light and Sound Night Parade at 6pm 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 Second Line Dancing.

Didn’t get enough beads at one parade? The second Mardi Gras parade, led by the Krewe of Krazo, will roll downtown on Saturday, February 14 at 2pm.

The next morning, Sunday, February 15, guests can hit the New Orleans-style Jazz Brunch at the Crescent Hotel at 75 Prospect from 11am to 2pm, featuring live music. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (479) 253-9652. Cost for the brunch is $25.

Monday the 16th will be Arti Gras at KJ’s Caribe Restaurant and Cantina at 309 W. Van Buren. Over 20 artists will present their original works and bejeweled masks, beginning at 6pm.

On Fat Tuesday, February 17, the final event is the Saint ‘Lizbeth King Cake Ball and dinner at the St. Elizabeth Parish Center at 232 Passion Play Road. At 5:30pm the party starts with a cash bar and cash raw oyster bar, with dinner and music following. For more information, call (479) 253-2222.

For more details on events, visit eurekaspringsmardigras.com.

The Gayly – February 6, 2015 @ 11:40am.