Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez

A Mardi Gras good time rolls into Fayetteville, Eureka Springs

February 24, 2017 at 1:00 a.m.

by Lara Hightower

Dan Kerlin on washboard and Ken Schmitz on guitar play some Mardi Gras music as Stephan Pollard (dressed in orange) and Fatima Pollard (dressed in yellow) dance with others at the Smoke and Barrel during last year's "second line" foot parade around Dickson Street on Fat Tuesday. That Mardi Gras parade was the 25th year the event was hosted by the Demented Krewe of Dickson Street.
Dan Kerlin on washboard and Ken Schmitz on guitar play some Mardi Gras music as Stephan Pollard (dressed in orange) and Fatima Pollard (dressed in yellow) dance with others at the Smoke and Barrel during last year's "second line" foot parade around Dickson Street on Fat Tuesday. That Mardi Gras parade was the 25th year the event was hosted by the Demented Krewe of Dickson Street.

The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. From there, the traditional revelry preceding Lent followed France to her colonies -- and outward to other communities in the New World. Although Mardi Gras technically refers only to Fat Tuesday, the Mardi Gras season actually begins on Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrated on Jan. 6. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.

Fayetteville

Fat Saturday Parade of Fools -- The city of Fayetteville-sponsored Mardi Gras parade with Grand Marshal Kyle Kellams will wind itself around downtown Fayetteville. The family friendly event will feature costumes, floats and the flinging of traditional Mardi Gras beads, 2 p.m. Saturday, Fayetteville square to Dickson Street. Free. fayettevillemardigras.com.

Fat Tuesday Downtown -- Participating downtown and entertainment district businesses will offer events and specials in Fayetteville for the 18-and-older crowd. Presenting sponsor, JJ's Grill on Dickson, will host a "Mardi Party" with an 8 p.m. coronation of Mardi Gras royalty, 6 p.m. to close Tuesday, downtown and entertainment district. fayettevillemardigras.com.

Eureka Springs

Jokers' Masquerade Ball -- This costume ball includes a mini parade, a buffet dinner and dancing, 6 p.m. today, Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center, 205 W. Van Buren. $30. eurekaspringsmardigras.org.

Mardi Gras Costume Day Parade -- The Eureka Springs city-sponsored costume parade will march through downtown Eureka Springs, featuring Mardi Gras royalty. The parade is led by the Krewe of Barkus at 2 p.m. Saturday, Spring and Main streets. Free. eurekaspringsmardigras.org.

Mayor's Ball: Red Carpet Masquerade -- Live music, a "second line" and Mardi Gras beads are featured at this event at the historic Basin Hotel in Downtown Eureka Springs, 7 p.m. Saturday, Basin Hotel, 12 Spring St. $35 online, $40 at the door. eurekaspringsmardigras.org.

Jazz Champagne Brunch -- Fine dining and champagne help relive the revelry of the night before at the Crescent Hotel, 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Crescent Hotel, 75 Prospect Ave. $29. eurekaspringsmardigras.org.

St. Liz Cajun King Cake Ball -- Close out the Mardi Gras celebrations with an oyster bar, Cajun dinner and music by Naturally Brass. Costumes are optional, but encouraged, 5 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, St. Elizabeth Parish Center, 232 Passion Play Road. $40. Reservations at 253-8864, 253-4503.

Fort Smith

Mardi Gras Parade and Kids' Village -- Fort Smith's full day of Mardi Gras celebrations includes street vendors, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; kids' activities in Pendergraft Park, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; a parade through the downtown, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and a Mardi Gras Bash at the end of the day featuring live music, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, in and around downtown. Costs vary. bordertownevents.com.

-- Lara Hightower

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NAN What's Up on 02/24/2017

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