Forty-four years of Mardi Gras tradition will be celebrated in Snowmass Village today (Fat Tuesday).
Highlights include a Base Village bead toss (2:45 p.m.) by this year’s Mardi Gras Royalty, Jeremy and Jennifer Swanson, to be followed by live music from the Pimps of Joytime.
In and around the Snowmass Mall and Base Village, there will be kids activities and a “walking and skiing dragon to celebrate Chinese New Year,” according to a Snowmass Tourism news release. The annual Mother of All Ascensions race will be held in the morning.
“Mardi Gras is one of Snowmass’ most beloved winter traditions, bringing together locals and visitors for a full day of celebration,” Julia Theisen, tourism director for Snowmass Tourism, said in the release.
The Swansons moved to Snowmass in 1999 to work at Anderson Ranch Arts Center the day after they got married, the release says. After several years at Anderson Ranch, the Swansons decided to strike out on their own: Jeremy in photography and Jennifer in digital communications.
“It might not have worked anywhere else, but Snowmass made it possible,” the release adds. They welcomed their daughter, Tilly, in 2003.
“The Mardi Gras King and Queen of years past are always people deeply connected to the community — part of its fabric and character. To be included among them is a true honor, and one we’re very grateful for,” Jennifer Swanson said.
Festivities kick off at 2 p.m. today as the king and queen hand out beads on the Snowmass Mall before making their way to Base Village for the bead toss and concert. For the full Mardi Gras lineup, visit gosnowmass.com/mardigras.
