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Deadwood to Celebrate Mardi Gras Feb. 5-6

DEADWOOD, S.D. (1/12/2009) – When it comes to Mardi Gras, Deadwood is hitting the radars of more and more revelers each year. The historic town’s Mardi Gras celebration is Feb. 5-6 this year, and festivities include themed parades on Main Street, coronation of Mardi Gras Royalty, a Cajun cooking contest, a cake-decorating contest and two nights of top-notch Zydeco music. Thousands of Mardi Gras fans converge in Deadwood to take part in the free festivities. Events kick off on Friday, Feb. 5, with the People's Parade at 7 p.m. This parade, complete with floats, costumes and beads, is for both spectators and participants because anyone can participate. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. The parade route starts at the lower Main Street parking lot and ends at the Silverado-Franklin Historic Hotel & Gaming Complex block.

The costume contest and the coronation of the 2010 Mardi Gras King and Queen will be held at the Lucky Nugget Gambling Hall after the parade. After the contest and coronation, Louisiana-born Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble will play their Zydeco music at the Lucky Nugget. Also, the city of Deadwood is permitting open containers on Main Street from the Four Aces Casino to the Masonic Lodge from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday's Mardi Gras events include the Cajun Cook-Off, which starts 2 p.m. at various area businesses. Anyone with a love of food with a little spice and Southern flavor is encouraged to stop by for a public tasting until 4 p.m.

Those with more of a sweet tooth could venture to the Lucky Nugget to witness the first annual Mardi Gras Cake Decorating Contest, which runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. And after Saturday’s parade, the cakes will be served to the public.

On Saturday evening at 7 p.m., thousands of spectators will line Deadwood’s Main Street with hopes of catching some of the 100,000 strings of beads thrown during the annual Mardi Gras Parade of Lights. The 2010 King and Queen will be there, along with floats created by local groups and businesses. Open containers will again be permitted from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble will again play at the Lucky Nugget after the parade.

There’s no charge to attend any of Deadwood’s Mardi Gras festivities.

“Without a doubt Mardi Gras has fast become one of the can’t-miss winter events in the Black Hills. The event keeps growing and includes festivities for everyone,” said George Milos, Deadwood Chamber of Commerce executive director. “Deadwood-area businesses and residents gear up for the event and play a huge role in breaking any cabin fever blues that may have set in.”

Call the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-999-1876 or visit www.deadwood.org for more information.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Lee Harstad
Deadwood Chamber of Commerce
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
800-999-1876
(605) 920-0537 - cell