Mardi Gras on Main to be held February 17, 2015
Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
Kerrville, Texas (February 5, 2015) –
It’s that time of year again, grab your friends, festive costumes, and get ready to celebrate Mardi Gras – Texas style! Mardi Gras on Main (MGOM) began in 2005 as a celebration of Kerrville Main Street’s 10th Anniversary. It has since evolved into a festival that focuses on cuisine, entertainment, art, fine beer and wine, royal court, and crowning of the Mardi Gras King and Queen at the event. Last year, the event was brought outside on the streets in the heart of Historic Downtown Kerrville (Earl Garrett Street on the block between Main Street and Water Street) for the very first time. Back by popular demand, the 2015 MGOM will again be held in the same location on Fat Tuesday, February 17th from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. "This year, in celebration of its 10th year anniversary, event admission is free," said Kimberly Snyder, Main Street Manager, "We are really excited about the fantastic enhancements that are planned such as the glowtastic theme, gumbo contest, addition of Cajun food, photo booth, and a costume contest. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in costume,
and join in on the festivities. A trophy will be awarded to the best costume. Proceeds will benefit downtown and the event will be a lot of fun!"
Live Music – Cedryl Ballou & The Zydeco Trendsetters
Back by popular demand, the band you loved in 2013, Cedryl Ballou & The Zydeco Trendsetters will be playing authentic Zydeco music all night long. Ballou shifts easily from drums to accordion and vocals, fronting the Zydeco Trendsetters and is sure to be a hit for the evening.
Signature Art
A major component of MGOM is the arts. A call to artists was completed for the Signature Art piece which has been professionally reproduced on posters, marketing materials, as well as featured on the private wine label for the event’s Signature Wine. Linda Ehrenreich is the selected artist for the Signature Art. Posters are available for purchase at the Main Street office located at City Hall, 701 Main Street and also at the event.
Beer and Wine
The event will have a cash bar with excellent choices of wine and the following varieties of beer – Rahr Texas Red, Stash IPA by Independence Brewing and Robert Earl Keen by Pedernales Brewing. The Mardi Gras committee selected Kerrville Hills Winery's Cake Será Será as the Signature Wine for 2015. Cake Será Será is a 2010 Texas Syrah that is perfect for authentic, spicy Cajun cuisine or with a slice of rich King Cake. You'll be drawn to the light ruby color, the raspberry aroma and the sweet sizzling finish. The Signature Wine will be available by the glass and will also be available to purchase by the bottle at the event to take home.
Gumbo Contest & Cuisine
A variety of Mardi Gras themed cuisines will be available at the event this year in addition to the gumbo contest. Entries are still being accepted for the gumbo contest, which is a new tradition this year. Contestants will be judged by a group of local culinary experts on taste, ingredients, roux (or other base), aroma and appearance. There will be no preference given by the judges to seafood or other types of gumbo. All will be judged equally and a trophy will be awarded to first place. There will also be a showmanship trophy awarded to the booth that shows the most creativity, flair, and fun in the presentation of its booth. Gumbo tastings will be offered to the public for $5.00.
Fresh cooked crawfish and shrimp will be provided by Wahoo’s Seafood Company and delicious Cajun chicken and shrimp will be served by Popeye’s Fried Chicken. West End Pizza Company will be serving a special Cajun Pizza and Cajun Potato Skins and Cajun desserts will be served by downtown’s very own Creative Cakes by Sharon Dessert Studio.
Royal Court
The promenade will feature a royal court of professional leaders in Kerrville and will be topped off with the crowning of the King and Queen of the 2015 Mardi Gras on Main so be sure to vote for your favorite at the event or prior to the event at Grape Juice (623 Water Street), both Guadalupe National Bank locations (1309 Bandera Highway, 1916 Junction Highway) or by contacting your candidate. This year, the Royal Court was chosen by the Kerrville Community at large. The Royal Court Queen nominees are Tammi Clanton Roach, Schreiner University; Liz Clapper, City of Kerrville; Caroline Wilson, Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. The nominees for King are Gary Stork, Stork Options Texas LLC Property Management; Jay Brady, Remax; and Steve Schulte, Attorney at Law.
Tammi Clanton Roach Liz Clapper Caroline Wilson
Gary Stork Jay Brady Steve Schulte
Event Sponsors
Kerrville Main Street would like to extend a big "thank you" to our major sponsors for helping make this event such a success – The City of Kerrville, Texas, Economic Improvement Corporation; Crenwelge Motors; James Avery Craftsman; Guadalupe National Bank; and Kerrville Public Utility Board. Mardi Gras on Main is the sole fundraiser hosted by Kerrville Main Street. The Main Street Advisory Board designates the funds to be returned downtown through revitalization projects and incentive programs such as façade and signage grants, marketing, public art, Christmas lighting and general beautification projects.
For additional event information, please visit www.mainstreetkerrville.com, "Like" Kerrville Main Street on Facebook or contact Ashlea Boyle, Special Projects Manager at (830) 258-1153 via e-mail to ashlea.boyle@kerrvilletx.gov or visit the city’s websites at www.kerrvilletx.gov.
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