Mardi Gras Parade
Mardi Gras Parade
Following a two year absence, an iconic event is returning to downtown Ellicottville
ELLICOTTVILLE - It is perhaps one of the most fun and zany events of winter. An event that invites both locals and visitors to put their creative minds to work in preparation for the biggest party of ski season. An event that encourages individuals and groups to choose their theme, plan their costumes, and parade through Ellicottville’s business district, while spectators line the streets, cheering for their favorites.
Following a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ellicottville’s Mardi Gras Parade is back on the schedule, and organizers of the event are anticipating a record turnout, as many have expressed how much they’ve missed this iconic festival.
“In March of 2020, just one week before our Mardi Gras celebration was set to take place, our nation’s leaders declared a public health emergency, and businesses and events were ordered to shut down to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus,” remembers Brian McFadden, executive director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. “Now, two years later, with vaccination rates increasing and mandates being lifted, we are excited to bring back the Mardi Gras Parade, and we’re looking forward to celebrating this iconic event with our friends again - safely.”
Coinciding with Holiday Valley’s Winter Carnival weekend, the Mardi Gras Parade is set for Saturday, March 12th. Registered participants will gather in the parking lot at Katy’s Café before 6:00pm and will march down Ellicottville’s main drag promptly at 6:30pm, ending at the Gazebo. Applications to participate are now available on the Ellicottville Chamber’s website and you must pre-register to be in the parade.
“We’ve already received a number of applications, and we’re very close to finalizing all of the fun details for the ‘Best of’ contests,” said Jessica Wallace, the Chamber’s business development manager. “We can’t wait to see what everyone has in store for their costumes and float decorations. Our local businesses always go above and beyond, and we anticipate a good crowd to cheer them on.”
The culmination of the Mardi Gras Parade is the crowning of a King and Queen, decided on by spectators who will applaud for their favorite. Not only will the King and Queen claim bragging rights, they will also be invited to lead the Winter Carnival Costume Parade down Mardi Gras slope the following day at Holiday Valley.
A few notes to remember: The Mardi Gras Parade is a family-friendly event. No alcohol is permitted in the parade. While candy and trinkets such as bead necklaces can be handed out to spectators, marchers are asked not to throw items into the crowd. Lastly, day-of registration will not be available, hop onto ellicottvilleny.com soon and fill out the online application.
“Once you’re registered, let the fun begin!” said Wallace. “Gather your group and get started on those zany and elaborate costumes and floats. Let’s make the 2022 Mardi Gras Parade one to remember!”
For additional information about this year’s Mardi Gras Parade or if you have questions, please call the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce at 800-349-9099 or email jessica@ellicottvilleny.com, To learn more about Holiday Valley’s Winter Carnival celebration March 12-13th, go to holidayvalley.com.
The Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce provides advocacy, promotional and benefit solutions for its members - setting the standard for excellence in member service, community collaboration, business growth while achieving a high quality of life in Ellicottville and the surrounding area. For more information visit http://www.ellicottvilleny.com.