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| Summit Daily News |
Summit Daily Link
Get out the beads, masks and colorful costumes because Summit County is celebrating Mardi Gras this weekend and Tuesday with town-sponsored events in Summit County.
Breckenridge
Each year, Breckenridge takes some cues from New Orleans, and visitors clad in masks, boas and beads respond to the call by taking over the ski town on Fat Tuesday to commemorate the snow carnival season.
The traditional Breckenridge Mardi Gras Parade down Main Street kicks off at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday with the Mardi Gras King and Queen, Alan Bullock and Amy Russo.
The parade dead-ends at the Riverwalk Center, 150 W. Adams Ave., where there will be a free concert from 5-7 p.m. featuring the Lowdown Brass Band.
Additionally, people are welcome to indulge themselves at the Paulaner Salvator Festival, a German "strong beer" festival featuring brews from Paulaner. The first 100 people in the door will receive a free stein.
Also, it's not too late to register a float for the parade. Cash prizes will be awarded for first-, second- and third-place entries.
Go to GoBreck.com and click on the Feb. 13 Mardi Gras link to find the registration forms and more details about the event.
Frisco
On Saturday, Feb. 10, the town of Frisco will host two events: the 5th Annual Mardi Gras 4Paws dog parade/street party and the 2nd Annual Frisco Freeze Fat Bike Race. Mardi Gras 4Paws will be from 2–4:30 pm on 2ndAvenue and Frisco Main Street, and the Frisco Freeze Fat Bike Race will start at 3 p.m. at the Frisco Nordic Center.
Mardi Gras 4Paws will once again benefit the League for Animals and People of the Summit (L.A.P.S.). Mardi Gras 4Paws is a costumed dog parade along the sidewalks of Frisco's Main Street inspired by New Orleans's Mystic Krew of Barkus parade. Frisco's Mardi Gras 4Paws will feature a "yappy" hour street party on 2nd Avenue between Main Street and the Granite Street alley with gumbo and beignets from Lost Cajun Restaurant, hot beverages from Abbey's Coffee, beer from New Belgium Brewing and wine from Cupcake Vineyards, along with a dog parade. New this year- Fire on Demand will provide fire pits to keep "yappy" hour participants warm.
Online pre-registration is $15 for the 1st dog and includes dog treats, a Mardi Gras doggie bandana, beads and a token for either one bowl of gumbo or a drink. Each additional family dog is only $5, and additional dog registrations do not include the token or bandana. Day of registration is $20 for the 1st dog and $5 for additional dogs. Registration and more information are available at TownofFrisco.com.
Mardi Gras 4Paws Schedule:
- 2 p.m.- Registration begins and dogs and their humans converge on 2nd Avenue between Main Street and the alley
- 2–4:30 p.m.- "Yappy" hour street party will begin on 2nd Avenue with beer, wine, gumbo and "doggie brew".
- 3:15 p.m.- The canine parade will start and travel down Frisco Main Street from 2nd Avenue to 7th Avenue along the sidewalk and back up the other side of the street for full canine viewing.
- 3:45 p.m.- Canine costume contest will begin and prizes will be awarded for dogs in costumes for a King and Queen, along with a full court of winners. There is also a "Belinda's Best" category to commemorate the late Belinda Griffin, who inspired this event.
Keystone
River Run Village at Keystone is hosting a Mardi Gras Party on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 2:30–5 p.m. Fat Tuesday in Keystone Resort is fit for all ages and includes free live music, giant games, a cash bar, special guest – kid's celebrity chef Nicholas Hornbostel and Summit County's best gumbo prepared by local and Denver chefs inspired by the official cuisine of the great State of Louisiana. Whether you prefer Cajun or Creole style you won't go hungry as restaurants from Keystone and beyond put their pride on the line and whip up their best batches of gumbo to be judged in both the Professional and People's Choice categories. Official judges will rank their 1st and 2nd choices in the seafood/exotic and chicken/sausage classifications where over $1,600 in prize money will be up for grabs. The Keystone Neighbourhood Company will also be giving out a Team Spirit award meaning gumbo participants are encouraged to dress up their booths and put together their best Mardi Gras costumes. Better yet bragging rights and a little cash will be awarded in the People's Choice category and will be determined by the Mardi Gras party guests themselves. Unlimited gumbo tasting bracelets for adults are just $12 in advance or $15 at the gate. New this year, kid's bracelets are $5 in advance and $8 at the gate. Kid's will get their own Kids Choice ticket to vote for their favorite gumbo alongside our special guest Nicholas Hornbostel from Kids Food Network.
For tickets go to: https://keystonemardigras2017.eventbrite.com
It wouldn't be a Mardi Gras party without some tunes and for 2018 the live concert is in full effect with Chris Daniels and the Kings taking the stage at 3:30 p.m. Chris Daniels and the Kings has been taking the stage for 33 years and will be delivering the rhythm while the party-goers dance away or kick back with a Keystone Kane, our version of the hurricane, from the bar. The Keystone Mardi Gras Party combines food, music and family into one grand Fat Tuesday celebration while doing its part to bring a little Southern hospitality to the mountains.
Schedule of Mardi Gras Events at Keystone:
- 2:30pm – 3:30pm: DJ spinnin' tunes
- 2:30pm – 5:00pm: Gumbo Tasting – $12 Adult, $5 Kid in advance / $15 Adult, $8 Kid at the gate
- 3:00pm – 3:30pm: Professional and People's Choice Judging
- 3:30pm – 5:00pm: FREE Live Music by Chris Daniels and the Kings
- 5:00pm – Gumbo Competition Winners Announced
Overview of Cash Prizes and Awards:
- 1st Place Gumbo Cook-Off:
- Chicken/Sausage Category – $400.00
- Seafood/Exotic Category – $400.00
- 2nd Place Gumbo Cook-Off
- Chicken/Sausage Category – $200.00
- Seafood/Exotic Category – $200.00
- People' Choice Best Gumbo – $250.00
- Keystone Team Spirit Award – Best Booth – $150.00
