This year Eureka Gras, the way the traditional Mardis Gras is celebrated here in this historic Arkansas Ozark community, will have a whole host of festive activities that will see hearts, arms, umbrellas, and a hotel open for a weekend of revelry that would make anyone from Vieux Carré sit up, take notice and start parading. Eureka Gras 2010 begins Thursday, February 4.
“You cannot believe the outpouring of love for this festival from the people of this community,” said Bill Ott, Eureka Gras’ first king in 2006. “Each year local enthusiasm has grown exponentially for Eureka Gras like a heart opening up for a first love.
“Besides it being a great festival unto itself, it sort of marks the awakening of our resort community from its winter slumber that began shortly after New Year’s Day. Once awoken, our merchants, lodging providers and restaurateurs open their arms wide to welcome Eureka’s lifeblood, our out-of-town visitors.”
Highlights for Eureka Gras 2010 include the Coronation Ball on Thursday, February 4; Hookers and Jokers Ball on Friday, February 5; Eureka Gras Parade through Downtown Eureka Springs on Saturday, February 6. Second Line strutting with open and twirling decorated umbrellas will be a special part of each scheduled event.
“Mondo kudos go out to Krazo Captain and Katrina refugee Dan Ellis,” concluded Ott. “It has been his enthusiasm and incomparable product knowledge that has grown this festival into the one of prominence that it is today. He embodies “laissez les bon temps rouler!”
