San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter Throws Wildest Mardi Gras Party West of the Mississippi: February 5, 2008

SAN DIEGO (January 10, 2008) – Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter, presented by Southern Comfort, will pack the 16.5 block historic district of downtown San Diego on February 5, 2008 from 6 p.m. to midnight for the biggest N’Awlins style party west of the Mississippi. 

The royal King Lawrence and Queen Maria of Mardi Gras will host an electrifying crowd of more than 40,000 people partaking in festivities to include live music with 10 stages and entertainment lounges, DJs, bands, go-go dancing and street performers, authentic Cajun eats, Southern Comfort Hurricanes, Heineken Light, and plenty of colorful beads and exotic boas to go around.

For the first time in San Diego’s Mardi Gras history, the celebration will have not one, but two feverish Incredible M asquerade Parades with outrageously decorated floats. The float frenzies start at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. and travel down six blocks of 5th Avenue. Select Gaslamp Quarter bars and restaurants will provide dinner and drink specials to guests who want VIP treatment while boasting the best views of Southern California’s  Fat Tuesday bash.

The Gaslamp Mardi Gras tradition   originated back in 1996 when two employees from Dick’s Last Resort wanted to throw a Mardi Gras party by decorating the restaurant and driving their festively adorned Cadillac around the block . More than 10 years later, voted one of the “Top Mardi Gras in the World” by USA Today, San Diego’s Fat Tuesday celebration has grown exponentially to more than 40 floats.

Buy tickets for $15 in advance at www.gaslamp.org or $20 at the entrance. There are three gate entrances: 5th Avenue & Broadway; 4th Avenue & Market; and 6th Avenue & K Street.  Attendees must be 21 or older and have proper I.D. to enter. No still cameras and no video cameras allowed (credentialed media exempt).  For more information, visit www.gaslamp.org  and www.sdGOdowntown.com. 

About San DieGO Downtown

Launched in July 2005, San DieGO Downtown is a first-ever private/public pa
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