NEVADA CITY, California – After a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, the Mardi Gras Celebration will return to the streets of Nevada City on Sunday, February 27, 2022. This annual event features a festive parade and street fair in historic downtown Nevada City, offering up spirited fun for all ages.
Nevada City has been known to throw a party and their version of Fat Tuesday is no exception! People come from all over just for this colorful annual event that lights up the streets with bright costumes, beads, and a sense of playfulness. The parade, which starts at 2pm on Broad Street, is one of the only Mardi Gras parades in northern California. It will feature dozens of festive floats and marching groups including the Merry Widow Society, the California Consolidated Drum Band, dance groups, Burning Man art cars, and much more! The street fair, which boasts food, crafts, and retail vendors, runs from 12-4pm on North Pine and Commercial Streets.
“After a rough couple of years, we’re so excited to bring energy and enthusiasm back to Nevada City,” says event organizer, Lynn Skrukrud, “The Mardi Gras parade is a fun, festive, and light-hearted event for the whole family to enjoy.” New this year, spectators will be able to get their groove on with a special performance by the Earles of Newtown, a New Orleans style jazz-funk band. The Earles will play from the balcony of the Kidd Knox building located at the corner of Broad & Pine Streets immediately prior to the start of the parade.
Along with the fun, the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce also honors noteworthy citizens for their contributions to the community. This year’s royal court will be led by the Grand Marshal, Joan Phillipe. Joan has served as the interim city manager of Nevada City for the last year and a half. The chamber would like to recognize Joan for leading Nevada City through the pandemic. The King and Queen of Mardi Gras are recognized for their significant contribution to the city of Nevada City. This year’s King & Queen are Dan and Erin Thiem, owners of the Outside Inn and Inn Town Campground. The Duke and Duchess are recognized for the fun, enthusiasm, and color they bring to our community. This year, friends Johnny Thorne and Arianna Thorne are being recognized – don’t miss their incredible handmade costumes.
More information can be found by visiting https://www.nevadacitychamber.com/nevada-city-events/mardi-gras/