<i>Mardi Gras</i> comes to Little Elm Park on March 1

Little Elm, Texas -- Mardi Gras in the Big Easy attracts people from around the world to party hardy in preparation for the self-denial of Lent, and this year, some of that enchanted atmosphere is coming to Little Elm, according to Megan McGraw, Little Elm’s Festival and Special Events Coordinator.

"We’re setting up our own version of the Big Easy right here in Little Elm with a traditional crawfish boil and a nighttime 5K. The run will start at Little Elm Park and go through the Johnny Broyles Nature Trails. Then, the good times will roll," she said.

The inaugural "Big Easy in Little Elm Crawfish Boil and Night Run" is set for Little Elm Park, 701 W. Eldorado Parkway, on Saturday, March 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

New Orleans has been known as "The Big Easy" since the 1960s, a nickname that describes the gentle, slow and easy-going way of life in that city. A description that, at least during the Mardi Gras celebrations, is entirely unfit.

"Our version of the traditional Mardi Gras party has all of the elements needed for a great time: beads, bands, beer and boiled crawfish. And we’ve added a nighttime 5K run along Lake Lewisville. Work up an appetite running, cool off with a beer, listen to some great music and have some crawfish. There’s just no better way to get ready for Lent," she said.

Runners will be kept entertained along the trails as brilliant lights will point the way and various party elements will be spread along the route to amuse participants and enliven the course. The first 300 runners will be given a glowing article and an LED headlamp to illuminate their path along the trails.

"Runners and their supporters are highly encouraged to form their Krewes, adopt a theme and outfit themselves in costumes appropriate for their theme. Originality, ingenuity, cleverness and imagination are the order of the day! Judges will award various prizes based on creativity and team spirit," added McGraw. The race will be certified and chip-timed.

At the finish line, runners will be given two complimentary beer tickets to replenish their strength and get the party started. The staple of any Mardi Gras party – boiled crawfish – will be plentiful, perfectly spiced, and professionally boiled in an authentic trailer. Other themed food offerings, such as Amplified Shrimp and Roast Beef Sliders, will be available from Rock 101 Patio Grill. Beer, the perfect complement to the cuisine, will be available for purchase.

And, in keeping with the Mardi Gras tradition, Kroger is providing King Cakes for those with a sweet tooth. The Zydeco Stingrays will add the unmistakable touch of Cajun atmosphere with their mixture of rock and zydeco classics.

"Whether you’re a runner or a die-hard Mardi Gras enthusiast, or both, Big Easy in Little Elm is definitely the ticket to a good time. As they say, Laissez les bons temps rouler," she concluded.

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ABOUT LITTLE ELM – Little Elm is one of the state’s fastest growing communities. Nestled on the shores of Lake Lewisville, the Town was incorporated in 1966, adopting the Council/Manager form of government. The population increased dramatically over the last several years, growing from under 4,000 in 2000 to over 30,000 today. Little Elm’s population exceeds the state average in education and income, and is increasingly trending younger and technologically proficient. The Town’s footprint is just over 14 square miles and boasts some 66 linear miles of shoreline within its boundaries.