Jan. 29, 2009
Photos available: (501) 682-7609; www.arkansasmediaroom.com
Eureka Springs to Celebrate Fat Tuesday in True New Orleans Style
*****
Jill M. Rohrbach, travel writer
Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism
Have your cake and eat it too; King Cake that is, right here in Arkansas. In true New Orleans style and with the help of a Hurricane Katrina transplant, Eureka Springs will begin its six day Mardi Gras celebration on Feb. 19.
Also known as Eureka Gras, the Mardi Gras events in Eureka Springs come with much foot stomping, umbrella pumping and handkerchief waving fanfare. New Orleans native Dan Ellis leads the way with an accent and a passion that do justice to the sound and meaning of the words “Laissez les bon temp roulez,” or “Let the Good Times Roll.”
Born and reared in New Orleans, Ellis said, “[Mardi Gras] is in my teeth, in my toes and in my nose.” He’s been involved in some of the biggest Krewes in Louisiana and Washington D.C. He was on the Krewe of Louisianans for 21 years and is a past member of the original Pete Fountain "Halfast Marchin' Club," which still spins its way through the New Orleans French Quarter each year. Uprooted from his home in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, Ellis made his way to Eureka Springs in November of 2005.
When he realized he was going to stay in Eureka Springs, he also recognized the need to get Mardi Gras celebrations going in earnest. “The first two years the money was mostly out of my own pocket,” Ellis explained. “Some people like fishing and golfing. I’d rather do parties.” And so, Ellis is in his fourth year of planning Mardi Gras. Each year he tries to expand his event offerings and broadcast the plans to more people.
“More and more people are catching the fire,” Ellis added. Mardi Gras literally means Fat Tuesday and describes a day of merrymaking on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. In New Orleans and many Roman Catholic countries, a week or more of parades and parties occur prior to the Tuesday celebration.
“I want people to realize they don’t have to go to New Orleans to get a New Orleans-style Mardi Gras,” Ellis said.
The Krewe of Krazo (Ozark spelled backwards) kicked off this year’s carnival season on Jan. 11 with a Kings Day Party at the Rowdy Beaver Restaurant and Tavern to announce the new court. Serving as King and Queen are Zeek Taylor and Elise Roenigk, both of Eureka Springs. Richard Davies, executive director of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, will serve as the 2009 grand marshal. Five dukes and duchesses fill out the rest of the court.
Activities for the royalty and public at large will run from Feb. 19 through Feb. 24.
The festivities will start with a new event, the Hookers and Jokers Ball. This masquerade ball is open to everyone dressing in a costume of the theme “Gay ‘90s,” “Guys and Dolls,” or “Freakin' Eurekan.” The event will begin at 6 p.m., Feb. 19 at the Inn of the Ozarks Best Western Convention Center. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.
“We’ll have a good New Orleans-style jazz band and two vocalists, one from the Mobile area and the other from Houston. Those are good strong jazz vocalists that will belt out some good jazz music,” Ellis said. “And we’ll have some local folks to mix it up so everyone has a little fun.”
The Coronation Ball and Masquerade Dance will start at 6 p.m., Feb. 20 at the Crescent Hotel and is by reservation only. The ball will include the grand procession of the royal court, entertainment by Big Sound Music and a champagne supper buffet for $25.
A Mardi Gras Parade is set for 2 p.m., Feb. 21. Anyone that is in costume can join in the parade. Lead by the Krewe of Krazo, the parade theme is “Art Whirl & All That Jazz.” Other walking groups include: Krewe of Wobniar with the theme “Rainbow Whirl” and Krewe of Barkus, consisting of canines, with the theme “K-9 Munchkins.”
The parade route will be Spring Street to South Main Street, to North Main Street, ending at The Art Colony. The annual Krazo Kostume Kontest will take place at 3:30 p.m. at The Art Colony with cash prizes awarded for best costume.
Rowdy JazzFest will take place at 7 p.m., Feb. 21 at Rowdy Beaver Restaurant and Tavern. Featuring music by Jane and Shane, the jam sessions will include jazz, blues and rock ballads.
The Crescent Jazz Trio will play from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 22 during the Jazz Brunch at the 1886 Crescent Hotel. Champagne and a buffet brunch will be served at a cost of $25. Reservations are recommended and may be made by phoning 479-253-9766.
At 5 p.m. that evening there will be more jazz and blues music at the New Delhi restaurant.
From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Feb. 24, King Cake and punch will be served in the lobby of the Community First Bank. From 4:30 until 7:30 p.m. on the 24th there will be a pancake supper at the Best Western Eureka Inn Gazebo Restaurant.
Mardi Gras festivities will end on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 24 with a pub crawl of people in extravagant, gaudy, colorful and festive attire. The Second Line Krazo Bar Krawl will begin at 4 p.m. at the Pied Piper and wend its way down the street stopping for special drinks and snacks at each pub along the way until reaching Chelsea’s. Costumes and/or masks are a must for those interested in participating.
Ellis’ goal is to have the longest second line in the world with the hopes of officially challenging New Orleans in future years.
Ellis said those interested in participating in the Mardi Gras festivities should bring their own costumes because there is no easy place to rent masks or costumes. He added that many of the hotels are providing packages that include tickets to the balls. For more information, and a video of last year’s celebration, visit www.krazoureeka.org.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
2009 is HERE!!! Eureka Springs!
A new year is upon us here in Eureka Springs! We've been very busy in the Special Events Office planning entertainment for the 2009 season. Music in Basin Spring Park starts in April every Saturday from Noon until 6pm and Sunday from noon until 4pm. Then starting in May we add music to Friday from noon until 6pm.
Starting in May we are also bringing back Dance in the Park After Dark two times a month! We will release the dates for the dances soon enough! Of course there will be Memorial Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day in Basin Spring Park as well.
In May we have some very special events planned! The Theme this year is World Cultural Arts and each week has a different theme:
Week 1: May 1st through May 10th is Spanish, South American and Native American influence. Crafters in the Park and music will be themed with this Spanish influence flare!
Week 2: May 11th through 17th is African influence with drummers and dancers in Basin Spring Park. The weekend of the 15th, 16th and 17th is also a Kids themed weekend in Basin Spring Park with many activities scheduled for the youngsters!
Week 3: May 18th through 25th is World Culture and will encompass Arts, crafts and music from all over the world.
Week4: May 26th through 31st is Americana influence with Eureka Springs Blues Weekend and Americana Arts and Crafts in Basin Spring Park.
May also sees our first two Dance in the Park After Dark scheduled for May 1st and May 15th.
On May 8th in the AUD Internationally Touring Act Del Castillo will be gracing the stage with their blend of Flamenco/Jazz/Blues/Rock music. Tickets will be on sale very soon!
We will be announcing more exciting news very soon! We are looking forward to a very entertainment packed year! If you have suggestions or ideas please feel free to send an e-mail to eurekaspringseventsoffice@gmail.com
Thanks Everyone for making Every Event in Eureka Springs Special!
Eric Young, Special Events Director
Starting in May we are also bringing back Dance in the Park After Dark two times a month! We will release the dates for the dances soon enough! Of course there will be Memorial Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day in Basin Spring Park as well.
In May we have some very special events planned! The Theme this year is World Cultural Arts and each week has a different theme:
Week 1: May 1st through May 10th is Spanish, South American and Native American influence. Crafters in the Park and music will be themed with this Spanish influence flare!
Week 2: May 11th through 17th is African influence with drummers and dancers in Basin Spring Park. The weekend of the 15th, 16th and 17th is also a Kids themed weekend in Basin Spring Park with many activities scheduled for the youngsters!
Week 3: May 18th through 25th is World Culture and will encompass Arts, crafts and music from all over the world.
Week4: May 26th through 31st is Americana influence with Eureka Springs Blues Weekend and Americana Arts and Crafts in Basin Spring Park.
May also sees our first two Dance in the Park After Dark scheduled for May 1st and May 15th.
On May 8th in the AUD Internationally Touring Act Del Castillo will be gracing the stage with their blend of Flamenco/Jazz/Blues/Rock music. Tickets will be on sale very soon!
We will be announcing more exciting news very soon! We are looking forward to a very entertainment packed year! If you have suggestions or ideas please feel free to send an e-mail to eurekaspringseventsoffice@gmail.com
Thanks Everyone for making Every Event in Eureka Springs Special!
Eric Young, Special Events Director
Friday, January 23, 2009
CALENDAR OF EVENTS – JANUARY 23-28, 2009
CALENDAR OF EVENTS – JANUARY 23-28, 2009
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
11th Annual Robert Burns Weekend
Friday January 23 – Sunday January 25, 2009. Semiquincentennial events include a Ceilidh, four seminars, a Scotch whiskey tasting,the traditional Burns supper and a Burns Sunday brunch. For details and reservations, contact the Crescent Hotel at 253-9766.
Change a Pet’s Life – Free Adoption at GSHS
Hill’s Pet Nutrition will sponsor a free adoption event at the Good Shepherd Animal Shelter on Saturday, January 24. All adoption expenses will be covered for the first 10 people wanting to adopt a shelter pet. The Shelter will be open from 9am to 5pm for the event.
Sewing For Beginners
A basic class for anyone wanting to learn skills from button-sewing to making clothes from commercial patterns. Mark Hughes of “Regalia Handmade Clothing” will teach a 10-week class on Sundays from 4-6pm and Tuesdays from 7-9pm beginning January 25th at “Buy the Yard!” fabric store at 12 Center Street. Classes are limited to 6 students, and the cost if $15 per class. Please call 253-2202 for more information.
Native Point of View
First in a series of Talks & Lessons with Jim TwoFeathers – Wolf Clan, Coyote Medicine Man. By donation. Sunday January 25, 6:30 pm. For information www.fireomearth.com.
Time Bank Will Offer Firewood to the Needy
The Eureka Springs Time Bank members will meet on Sunday, January 25 from noon to 3:00 pm to saw and gather firewood for several families in need. Alternative date is February 1st if weather is inclement. For details: www.timebanks.org or 253-1275.
Mardi Gras Umbrella Decorating Party
“Umbrella Decorating Party & Doin’ the 2nd Line to Mardi Gras Music” will take place on Wednesday January 28 at 5:00 pm at the New Delhi café at 2 N. Main. Supplies will be provided. For details, e-mail Dan@Ureeka.org or call (479) 981-9551.
Blood Drive – Thursday, January 29
The Eureka springs Rotary Club and Rotary Youth Interact Club will sponsor a blood drive on Thursday, January 29 from 1:15 to 6:00 pm at the Eureka Springs High School cafeteria. Walk-ins are welcome. For details, call 253-7379.
Stephen Foster, Local Author, Photographer, International Consultant & Lecturer
Will Address the Eureka Springs Garden Club on Friday January 30 at 1:00 pm at the Carnegie Public Library Annex, 194 Spring Street. The discussion topic will be “Herbs as Flowers.” The meeting is open to the public and is free of charge. Books will be available for sale. For details, call 253-2227.
Eureka Springs Hospital Lunch and Learn
Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 27 for the Tuesday, Feb. 4 “Lunch & Learn” featuring Board-certified neurologist, Dr. Alan Diamond, M.D. who will be speaking on the “Restless Leg Syndrome. Location: Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center. For details call 253-4034.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23
Jack’s Place: Karaoke
Rowdy Beaver: Karaoke
Henri’s Just One More: Karaoke
Squid & Whale Pub: Cletus Got Shot
Shawbee’s Big Dawg Saloon: Karaoke
Chelsea’s Pirate Party & Dirty Rat Bastards
7:00 PM Crescent Hotel: Robert Burns Weekend “Ceilidh” with the Crooked Creek Ceilidh Band
8:00 PM Eureka Live: Underground Mafia (Downstairs)
6:00-9:00 PM Grand Central Hotel Grand Taverne –Arkansas Red (Jazz Guitar)
3:00-7:00 PM Lumberyard Bar & Grill: Happy Hour with Mary Bo
6:30 PM New Delhi Café: Effron White
8 PM-Midnite Pied Piper Cathouse Lounge: Grace Askew & Jamie Randolph (Memphis)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24
Jack’s Place: Karaoke
Squid & Whale Pub: TBA
Rowdy Beaver: Watts It 2 Ya
Chelsea’s: Frog Eyed Jug Band
Henri’s Just One More: Karaoke
Shawbee’s Big Dawg Saloon: Karaoke & Dance with the Big Dawg
3:00 PM: Crescent Hotel: Robert Burns Weekend Whiskey Tasting
6:00 PM: Crescent Hotel: Burns 250th Birthday Supper
10:00 PM: Eureka Live: Underground Mafia (Downstairs)
6:30-9:30PM Grand Central Hotel Grand Taverne: Jerry Yester (Grand Piano Dinner Music)
6:30 PM: New Delhi Café: Maureen Alexander
8-Midnite: Pied Piper Cathouse Lounge: Greg Klyma
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25
Ollie’s: Free Pool
Jack’s Place: Karaoke
Squid & Whale Pub: Improv Night
Shawbee’s Big Dawg Saloon: Biker Appreciation Day
6-9:30 PM: Chelsea’s: Greg Klyma
9:30AM-2PM Crescent Hotel Crystal Dining Room: Robert Burns Sunday Brunch
11AM-10PM Eureka Live: Live Music & Dancing
MONDAY, JANUARY 26
Chelsea’s: Ladies’ Night
Squid and Whale Pub: Chinese New Year’s and Ladies Night
3:00-7:00PM Lumberyard Bar & Grill: Happy Hour with Mary Bo
7:00-10:00PM Marquee’s: Will Steele hosts Songwriters’ Night
Every Monday at 5:30 pm: Bellyogachi classes at Fire Om Earth Studios. 363-9402. Also on Wednesday at 9:30 am.
Every Monday at 6:30 pm:. Metaphysical Society of Arkansas meets at
68 W. Mountain Street.
Every Monday at 7:00 pm: 8-ball pool tournament in the billiards room atop the Basin Park Hotel.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27
Chelsea’s: Open Mic
Squid & Whale Pub: Salsa Music Night
6:30 PM Holiday Island Elks Lodge: Charitable Bingo
6:00 PM Lovin’ Oven Bakeria: Board Game Night
3-7:00 PM Lumberyard Bar & Grill: Happy Hour with Mary Bo
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28
Eureka Live: Family Night
Squid & Whale Pub: Gnarly Movie Night
Rowdy Beaver: Service Employee’s Night
3-7:00 PM Lumberyard Bar & Grill: Happy Hour with Mary Bo
6:30 PM New Delhi Café: Open Jam
Every Wednesday 4-9:00 pm: All You Can Eat Catfish at the Rowdy Beaver restaurant.
Every Wednesday 8:00 pm: Poker tournament in the billiards room atop the Basin Park Hotel.
Every Thursday (all day) Local’s day at the Pizza Bar.
Every Thursday is Local’s Night at the Grand Taverne in the Grand Central Hotel and Rick’s Firehouse Pub on Main Street across from the courthouse.
LOOKING AHEAD
More detailed information on the following events is listed in the “Events & Festival” section of www.eurekasprings.org.
Saturday, January 31st Shoe Making
Saturday, January 31st Polar Bear Plunge
Saturday, February 7th Grow Your Own
Saturday, February 7th Shoe Making
Monday, February 9th Shoe Making
February 13th-15th Valentine’s Diversity Weekend
Friday-Sunday
Saturday, February 14th Chocolate Lover’s Festival
Saturday, February 14th Freakin’ Eurekan Race 15K Trail Run
Saturday, February 14th Single Ladies’ Seminar
Saturday, February 14th Valentine Ball
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
11th Annual Robert Burns Weekend
Friday January 23 – Sunday January 25, 2009. Semiquincentennial events include a Ceilidh, four seminars, a Scotch whiskey tasting,the traditional Burns supper and a Burns Sunday brunch. For details and reservations, contact the Crescent Hotel at 253-9766.
Change a Pet’s Life – Free Adoption at GSHS
Hill’s Pet Nutrition will sponsor a free adoption event at the Good Shepherd Animal Shelter on Saturday, January 24. All adoption expenses will be covered for the first 10 people wanting to adopt a shelter pet. The Shelter will be open from 9am to 5pm for the event.
Sewing For Beginners
A basic class for anyone wanting to learn skills from button-sewing to making clothes from commercial patterns. Mark Hughes of “Regalia Handmade Clothing” will teach a 10-week class on Sundays from 4-6pm and Tuesdays from 7-9pm beginning January 25th at “Buy the Yard!” fabric store at 12 Center Street. Classes are limited to 6 students, and the cost if $15 per class. Please call 253-2202 for more information.
Native Point of View
First in a series of Talks & Lessons with Jim TwoFeathers – Wolf Clan, Coyote Medicine Man. By donation. Sunday January 25, 6:30 pm. For information www.fireomearth.com.
Time Bank Will Offer Firewood to the Needy
The Eureka Springs Time Bank members will meet on Sunday, January 25 from noon to 3:00 pm to saw and gather firewood for several families in need. Alternative date is February 1st if weather is inclement. For details: www.timebanks.org or 253-1275.
Mardi Gras Umbrella Decorating Party
“Umbrella Decorating Party & Doin’ the 2nd Line to Mardi Gras Music” will take place on Wednesday January 28 at 5:00 pm at the New Delhi café at 2 N. Main. Supplies will be provided. For details, e-mail Dan@Ureeka.org or call (479) 981-9551.
Blood Drive – Thursday, January 29
The Eureka springs Rotary Club and Rotary Youth Interact Club will sponsor a blood drive on Thursday, January 29 from 1:15 to 6:00 pm at the Eureka Springs High School cafeteria. Walk-ins are welcome. For details, call 253-7379.
Stephen Foster, Local Author, Photographer, International Consultant & Lecturer
Will Address the Eureka Springs Garden Club on Friday January 30 at 1:00 pm at the Carnegie Public Library Annex, 194 Spring Street. The discussion topic will be “Herbs as Flowers.” The meeting is open to the public and is free of charge. Books will be available for sale. For details, call 253-2227.
Eureka Springs Hospital Lunch and Learn
Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 27 for the Tuesday, Feb. 4 “Lunch & Learn” featuring Board-certified neurologist, Dr. Alan Diamond, M.D. who will be speaking on the “Restless Leg Syndrome. Location: Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center. For details call 253-4034.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23
Jack’s Place: Karaoke
Rowdy Beaver: Karaoke
Henri’s Just One More: Karaoke
Squid & Whale Pub: Cletus Got Shot
Shawbee’s Big Dawg Saloon: Karaoke
Chelsea’s Pirate Party & Dirty Rat Bastards
7:00 PM Crescent Hotel: Robert Burns Weekend “Ceilidh” with the Crooked Creek Ceilidh Band
8:00 PM Eureka Live: Underground Mafia (Downstairs)
6:00-9:00 PM Grand Central Hotel Grand Taverne –Arkansas Red (Jazz Guitar)
3:00-7:00 PM Lumberyard Bar & Grill: Happy Hour with Mary Bo
6:30 PM New Delhi Café: Effron White
8 PM-Midnite Pied Piper Cathouse Lounge: Grace Askew & Jamie Randolph (Memphis)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24
Jack’s Place: Karaoke
Squid & Whale Pub: TBA
Rowdy Beaver: Watts It 2 Ya
Chelsea’s: Frog Eyed Jug Band
Henri’s Just One More: Karaoke
Shawbee’s Big Dawg Saloon: Karaoke & Dance with the Big Dawg
3:00 PM: Crescent Hotel: Robert Burns Weekend Whiskey Tasting
6:00 PM: Crescent Hotel: Burns 250th Birthday Supper
10:00 PM: Eureka Live: Underground Mafia (Downstairs)
6:30-9:30PM Grand Central Hotel Grand Taverne: Jerry Yester (Grand Piano Dinner Music)
6:30 PM: New Delhi Café: Maureen Alexander
8-Midnite: Pied Piper Cathouse Lounge: Greg Klyma
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25
Ollie’s: Free Pool
Jack’s Place: Karaoke
Squid & Whale Pub: Improv Night
Shawbee’s Big Dawg Saloon: Biker Appreciation Day
6-9:30 PM: Chelsea’s: Greg Klyma
9:30AM-2PM Crescent Hotel Crystal Dining Room: Robert Burns Sunday Brunch
11AM-10PM Eureka Live: Live Music & Dancing
MONDAY, JANUARY 26
Chelsea’s: Ladies’ Night
Squid and Whale Pub: Chinese New Year’s and Ladies Night
3:00-7:00PM Lumberyard Bar & Grill: Happy Hour with Mary Bo
7:00-10:00PM Marquee’s: Will Steele hosts Songwriters’ Night
Every Monday at 5:30 pm: Bellyogachi classes at Fire Om Earth Studios. 363-9402. Also on Wednesday at 9:30 am.
Every Monday at 6:30 pm:. Metaphysical Society of Arkansas meets at
68 W. Mountain Street.
Every Monday at 7:00 pm: 8-ball pool tournament in the billiards room atop the Basin Park Hotel.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27
Chelsea’s: Open Mic
Squid & Whale Pub: Salsa Music Night
6:30 PM Holiday Island Elks Lodge: Charitable Bingo
6:00 PM Lovin’ Oven Bakeria: Board Game Night
3-7:00 PM Lumberyard Bar & Grill: Happy Hour with Mary Bo
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28
Eureka Live: Family Night
Squid & Whale Pub: Gnarly Movie Night
Rowdy Beaver: Service Employee’s Night
3-7:00 PM Lumberyard Bar & Grill: Happy Hour with Mary Bo
6:30 PM New Delhi Café: Open Jam
Every Wednesday 4-9:00 pm: All You Can Eat Catfish at the Rowdy Beaver restaurant.
Every Wednesday 8:00 pm: Poker tournament in the billiards room atop the Basin Park Hotel.
Every Thursday (all day) Local’s day at the Pizza Bar.
Every Thursday is Local’s Night at the Grand Taverne in the Grand Central Hotel and Rick’s Firehouse Pub on Main Street across from the courthouse.
LOOKING AHEAD
More detailed information on the following events is listed in the “Events & Festival” section of www.eurekasprings.org.
Saturday, January 31st Shoe Making
Saturday, January 31st Polar Bear Plunge
Saturday, February 7th Grow Your Own
Saturday, February 7th Shoe Making
Monday, February 9th Shoe Making
February 13th-15th Valentine’s Diversity Weekend
Friday-Sunday
Saturday, February 14th Chocolate Lover’s Festival
Saturday, February 14th Freakin’ Eurekan Race 15K Trail Run
Saturday, February 14th Single Ladies’ Seminar
Saturday, February 14th Valentine Ball
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