It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is the Artvoice Mardi Gras parade. Yes, it’s the chilly kick-off event that marks the start of the festival and parade season in Buffalo. Fat Tuesday rolls around at a time of year that is completely unpredictable as far as the weather goes. No matter the cold, there are still plenty of parade-goers who feel that it’s due time to get dressed up in Fat Tuesday attire, brave the elements for a spell, and then hunker down at the nearest tavern. This year the parade starts at Kleinhans’ parking lot, and then follows this winding route:
Join a gaggle of drag queens as they lead the parade with festive attire and glitz and glam (and I’m not talking about the colorful beads). After the parade, pour yourself into a participating bar/restaurant and pay $5 for a magical bracelet that gets you into all of the participating party spots, along with drink specials, more beads, live music and performances, and a good feeling in your heart (proceeds benefit ECMC’s Immunodeficiency Services – the largest comprehensive HIV/AIDS care center in Western New York).
Here’s a list of participating establishments…