Colorful Characters

Parades, costumes, beads mark Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, which translates to Fat Tuesday, traditionally commemorates the beginning of the Lenten season with a night of gluttony and costumes. Events such as last year’s Mardi Gras festivities in Fayetteville, pictured, will take place in the coming days.
Mardi Gras, which translates to Fat Tuesday, traditionally commemorates the beginning of the Lenten season with a night of gluttony and costumes. Events such as last year’s Mardi Gras festivities in Fayetteville, pictured, will take place in the coming days.

Mardi Gras doesn’t take place until Tuesday — the phrase translates to “Fat Tuesday,” after all — but that won’t stop revelers from getting in several days of celebration. Events in the area include parades, galas, balls, brunches and more.

FORT SMITH MUSEUM OF HISTORY MARDI GRAS

WHEN — 6 p.m.-midnight today

WHERE — Immaculate Conception Church Parish Hall in Fort Smith COST — $75, which includes dinner and drinks

INFO — 783-7841

ABOUT — A live auction, a dance featuring music by Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes and more. The event is a fundraiser for the museum.

MARDI GRAS PARADE

WHEN — 2 p.m. Saturday

WHERE — Downtown Eureka Springs

COST — Free

INFO — eurekaspringsmardis gras.com

ABOUT — The parade, led by the Krewe of Krazo, travels along Spring and Main streets in downtown Eureka Springs. Walking groups and decorated floats will be featured. Immediately following the event will be the Krazo Kostume Kontest at 3:30 p.m. at New Delhi Cafe on Main Street.

PARADE OF FOOLS

WHEN —2 p.m. Saturday

WHERE — Downtown Fayette ville

COST — Free

INFO — fayettevillemardisgras.com

ABOUT — After launching on the Fayetteville square, the annual Parade of Fools in Fayetteville will then march down Dickson Street. A collection of beads, fl oats and costumes, the family-friendly event will this year feature Cary Arsaga as grand marshal.

MARDI GRAS KARAOKE PARTY

WHEN — 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday

WHERE — Mulligans at the Highlands in Bella Vista

COST — Free; dinner specials will be offered

INFO — 855-8114; reservations suggested

ABOUT — A karaoke party, featuring beads and other surprises, will take place at Mulligans.

BEAUX ARTS BALL

WHEN — 7-11 p.m. Saturday

WHERE — Basin Park Hotel ballroom in Eureka Springs

COST — $20 per person or $200 for a table for eight

INFO — reserveeureka.com or 253-8737

ABOUT — The ball follows the Mardi Gras parade in downtown Eureka Springs. Music will be provided by Ultra Suede, and activities include a costume contest, Mardi Gras royalty, a king cake and line dancing.

JAZZ BRUNCH NEW ORLEANS STYLE

WHEN — 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday

WHERE — Crescent Hotel Crystal Ballroom in Eureka Springs

COST — $25

INFO — Reservations recommended. Calling 253-9652

ABOUT — A buffet-style brunch and champagne will be served up for the jazz brunch, which features live entertainment.

SECOND LINE PUB CRAWL

WHEN — 4:30 p.m. Tuesday

WHERE — Various venues in Eureka Springs

COST — Participation is free; drinks are not INFO — eurekaspringsmardisgras.com

ABOUT — Costumes or masks are required of participants. Umbrellas are also encouraged. The crawl starts at the Pied Piper Tavern.

FAT TUESDAY CELEBRATION

WHEN — 7:30 p.m. Tuesday

WHERE — Downtown Fayetteville

COST — Participation is free; drinks are not

INFO — fayettevillemardis gras.com

ABOUT — A new king and queen of the Demented Krewe will be crowned at 8 p.m. at Jose’s Restaurant and Club on Dickson Street. Live music starts at the venue at 7:30 p.m., and it also serves as the launching spot for the foot parade, which departs at 8:30 p.m. and visits many Dickson Street establishments.

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