Ridgway, CO- The Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce successfully organized its first annual Mardi Gras Restaurant Crawl on Saturday, March 1st, with some establishments beginning thier offerings at 5pm. The event provided an opportunity to bring the vibrant spirit of New Orleans to the heart of Ridgway for the night. Held the Saturday evening prior to Mardi Gras' traditional Fat Tuesday, the event drew enthusiastic participation from both locals and visitors alike with beads and bingo cards were provided to participating establishments. The evening was filled with lively and festive food offerings, drinks, and entertainment throughout the community.
"We really enjoyed the bingo card aspect of it and handing out Mardi Gras beads," says Greenwood's Restaurant co-owner Marty Frank. "There was some small-town local humor that made it fun and was just generally a great way for participants to interact with one another and also encouraged people to visit all the businesses like a sort of scavenger hunt."
Ridgway local businesses who took part in the celebration included Colorado Boy, Floating Lotus Brewery, White Buffalo Bar, Greenwood’s Restaurant, Taco Del Gnar, The Million Roadhouse, and The Old Firehouse. Attendees indulged in Mardi Gras-themed discounts and drink specials, while live music and encouragement to wear colorful costumes added to the excitement of the night.
The event was inspired and spearheaded by the chamber’s new events subcommittee members, Nicole Ouellette of Taco Del Gnar and owner of Sisu Event Company, and Madison Gustafson Enrichment Site Director of Voyager Youth Program. Their dedication and vision helped bring this unique experience to the community, further enhancing Ridgway’s reputation as a dynamic and welcoming destination and a way to get out and socialize during Ridgway's slower season.
"The best part of the night?" when asked RACC Board Secretary Gustafson, "Encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore Ridgway's bars and restaurants in true Mardi Gras spirit. It was incredible seeing so many people dressed up, laughing, participating in bingo and truly enjoying the night- it was a fantastic reminder of how special our community is when we come together!"
Winners of the event were announced Friday, March 7th who were Bob Minnick, Sylvia and Paul Maro, and Cynthia Mesa-Toney who will be awarded Ridgway dining gift cards provided by The Old Firehouse, Greenwood's Restaurant and Floating Lotus Brewery depending upon how their name was drawn.
The Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce extends its gratitude to the participating businesses and all those who joined and supported the celebration. Plans are already in motion for next year’s Mardi Gras Restaurant Crawl including a potential parade and more New Orlean's themed live music, promising even more fun, food, and festivities in support of local businesses and event offerings for the community.
Thank you for your continued support of your local chamber of commerce!
For more information about upcoming Chamber events, visit the Local Events page!
