Get a taste of New Orleans with parades, gumbo and concerts

Fat Tuesday is right around the corner and the Big Easy is coming to Summit County. Frisco, Breckenridge and Keystone all have various events themed around the annual celebration. Grab your beads, boas and barking buds to get into the bacchanalia.

To the dogs

Before Mardi Gras officially begins on Tuesday, Frisco is holding a parade tomorrow to benefit Hope for Animals – Clear Creek Rescue. Inspired by New Orleans’ Mystic Krewe of Barkus parade, Mardi Gras 4Paws will see costumed dogs along the sidewalks of Main Street. The canine parade begins at 3 p.m. and the route goes from Third Avenue to Seventh Avenue and back up the other side of the street.

Before the parade, people and their pups can enjoy a “yappy” hour at 2:30 p.m. on Third Avenue between Main Street and Granite Street’s alley. The party will have gumbo and beignets from The Lost Cajun, beer from New Belgium Brewing and wine from Ava Grace Vineyards.

Then at 3:30 a canine costume contest will crown a king and queen dog, along with a “Belinda’s Best” category to commemorate the late Belinda Griffin who inspired this event.

Registration is $20 per dog in advance and $25 the day of. Registration and more information are available at TownOfFrisco.com.

Go for gumbo

Keystone will host their own Mardi Gras party at River Run Village on Tuesday from 2:30–5 p.m. There will be free music by Chris Daniels and the Kings, games, drinks and the main event: gumbo made by local and Denver-based chefs.

Make sure to come hungry because official judges and the public rank the gumbo. Unlimited tasting bracelets for adults are $12 in advance or $15 at the gate. Kids can get in for $5 ahead of time or $8 the day of. Children will have their own voting ticket to pick their favorite dish, alongside celebrity kid chef Nicholas Hornbostel.

Prize money ranges from $150–400 and there is also an award for best team spirit. Visit KeystoneFestivals.com for tickets and to participate.

Bourbon Street in Breck

The historic mining town of Breckenridge will transform into the French Quarter on Mardi Gras with a parade down Main Street. Floats staged between Watson and Wellington avenues start their engines at 4:30 p.m. and head south to the intersection of Main Street and Adams Avenue where the parade will turn west toward the Riverwalk Center. The most creative float will win $500 while second place wins $300 and third place receives $200.

After the parade, the Hazel Miller Band will perform for free at 5 at the Riverwalk Center. Along with the concert, The Lost Cajun will be on-site providing food and beverage.

Float registration is still open, so visit GoBreck.com to participate.