All 8 New Mexico ski areas are open this weekend and will be open Monday as well. Come out and enjoy the great new snow we just got on Wednesday. This weekend is filled with costume balls, bead tossing, singing and dancing, Cajun and Creole gourmet delights, parades, kids costume contest, cajun cook-off, crawfish boils, downhill gator race, great deals and more! We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
Red River – Mardi Gras in the Mountains
February 12-17, 2015
Krewe Krawl & Burning of the Wild Tchopitoulas
When: Thursday 7:00 pm
Where: Motherlode Saloon
The Wild Tchopitoulas is a fictional character that serves as a mascot for Mardi Gras in the Mountains. Mardi Gras kicks off with a foot parade down Main Street (Krewe Krawl) leading the Tchopitoulas to his final moments. Spectators are encouraged to write down their troubles and worries and toss them into the fire as the Tchopitoulas is burning. Once that is done, Mardi Gras in the Mountains can officially begin!
Drink Making Contest
When: Friday 7:30 pm
Where: Motherlode Saloon
In what has become one of the most competitive events during Mardi Gras in the Mountains, various krewes show off their abilities to make a great drink and put on an even better show. Judges for the drink contest are often chosen at random before the contest begins, so get there early to find a seat and be entered in the drawing. Each krewe is judged on their presentation, actual drink, and overall performance.
Mardi Gras Parade
When: Saturday 4:00 pm
Where: Main Street Red River
Red River’s Mardi Gras krewes, local businesses, and various families and individuals participate with wild floats and elaborate costumes, as spectators line both sides of Main Street cheering for beads and candy. This is when much of the creativity surrounding the annual theme come out.
Mardi Gras Grand Ball & Costume Contest
When: Saturday 7:00 pm
Where: Motherlode Saloon
Though there is a costume ball each night during Mardi Gras, the Grand Ball is the most magnificent of them all. Everyone is invited to the Red River Conference Center for live zydeco music, dancing, and the official Mardi Gras costume contest. Dress up for your chance to win Chamber Cash from the Chamber of Commerce (good at any chamber member in Red River).
Children’s Ball
When: Sunday 6:45 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Black Mountain Playhouse
Red River is known for it’s family friendly atmosphere year-round so it’s only fitting that we have a ball especially for kids. Kids are also encouraged to wear their costumes and beads!
Cajun Cookoff
When: Tuesday 6:00 pm
Where: Timbers Restaurant
Get your taste buds ready for this fun event! Everyone is welcome to enter and show off their Cajun cooking skills, or just come have a beer and sample the tasty treats. There is no fee to enter and you could win fantastic prizes! Call the Chamber of Commerce to register at (575)-754-2366.
Angel Fire – Mardi Gras Celebration
February 13- 17, 2015
The Big Easy is coming to the mountains. Celebrate the best of Mardi Gras with Angel Fire Resort. Eat, drink and catch some beads! Enjoy live music, a Mardi Gras Day parade and more!
Friday, February 13, 2015
3-6 p.m. Live music at the Village Haus
6-9 p.m. Live music at the Legends Grill
Saturday, February 14, 2015
4-5 p.m. Mask making for kids at the Village Haus. Free for kids of all ages, all materials are provided, just bring your creativity.
3-6 p.m. Live music at the Village Haus
6-9 p.m. Live music at Legends Grill
Sunday, February 15, 2015
3 p.m. Mardi Gras Parade presented by the Angel Fire Rotary Club, starts at the Chile Express
3-6 p.m. Live music at the Village Haus
6-9 p.m. Live music at Legends Grill
Monday, February 16, 2015
3-6 p.m. Live music at the Village Haus
6-9 p.m. Live music at Legends
6-9 p.m. Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball: Dress in your best to fit the theme, “A Night on the Orient Express.” The masquerade will be held at Elements. Reservations required, call (575) 377-6775
FAT TUESDAY, February 17, 2015
3-6 p.m. Live music at The Village Haus
7-11 p.m. Mardi Gras Grande Ball with The Ry Taylor Band in the Garden Court. Dress up, bring your beads and get ready for a grande good time!
Chef Mathias serves up his famous Shrimp and Chicken Ettouffe and Traditional Gumbo. Available in Elements Bar and Dining Room.
Sipapu – Fun Fest
February 14, 2015
Discover Sipapu’s most popular–and FREE–family event. The celebration includes a giant snow castle, a costume contest and parade, treasure hunts, games, prizes and more!
Snow Castle Opening
When: Saturday, February 14 @ 9 am
Sipapu builds its trademark snow castle every year: a huge structure filled with stairs, slides, flags and plenty of places to play. Join us as we unveil this year’s creation and open the castle for all to explore!
Treasure Hunt
When: Saturday, February 14 @ 9 am – 4 pm
Our treasure hunt is part scavenger hunt and all adventure! Search our mountain for laminated letters, and when you find enough to spell CLOWN, return them to our store for a prize!