Cloudcroft’s Mardi Gras Celebration Features Family Fun

The Sacramento Mountains come alive with the sounds of Mardi Gras down-home style with "Rollin' on the River" Mardi Gras in the Clouds celebration February 1-3, 2008, in Cloudcroft, NM.

The event offers all the fun of the traditional Mardi Gras festivities of New Orleans in a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.

"Cloudcroft's Mardi Gras in the Mountains may be one of New Mexico's most unique annual festivals," said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. "The folks in Cloudcroft are never at a loss when it comes to discovering new, innovative ways to spend quality time with family and friends."

The festivities kick-off at 3:30 p.m. Friday (Feb. 1) under the “Big Top” tent on Burro(bon) Street with the introduction of the 2008 reigning King & Queen of Mardi Gras followed by a magic show for children. The fun continues throughout the evening with a Fais-Do-Do (dance) at The Lodge "Red Dog Saloon" Party for adults at 7:30 p.m. featuring entertainment and contests.

Saturday (Feb. 2) festivities begin at 10 a.m. under the big tent with shopping, food vendors, activities and entertainment. The official Mardi Gras Parade begins at 2 p.m. followed by more entertainment, including the After-Parade Party and the Western Bar Gala from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Mardi Gras wraps up Sunday (Feb. 3), beginning at 10:30 a.m. with vendors, activities and entertainment including cakewalks, bingo and more. Cloudcroft will also host a pot luck Community Party on Fat Tuesday (Feb. 5) at 5:30 p.m. with prizes and entertainment.

"Mardi Gras in Cloudcroft is rapidly becoming an alternative event for families in the southwest," said Jason Baldwin, executive director of Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce. "Everyone in the village joins in to create a wholesome fun-filled Mardi Gras experience."

For more information contact Jason Baldwin, 575-682-2733; Lisa Thomassie, 575-682-2566 or Lisa.Thomassie@TheLodgeResort.com; or Glenna Zimmer, 575-682-2566 ext 400 or marketing@TheLodgeResort.com. Mike Stauffer, Communications Director, New Mexico Tourism Department 505-827-7379, mike.stauffer@state.nm.us