The Mardi Gras in March block party, celebrated on March 16th, was a vibrant display of community spirit, music, and dance. It marked the culmination of an engaging Passport Adventure program that began on March 1st. This city-wide exploration and celebration program attracted nearly 500 attendees, including families and lively young ones. They gathered to enjoy the festivities and complete a journey through Garden City’s local talent, businesses, and the communal bonds that make our city unique.
Showcasing Local Talent, Culinary Delights, and the Passport Adventure
The celebration was alive with diverse performances. The Star Belly Dancers and Jeff Martin, a traveling magician who specially attended from out of state, captivating Garden City kids and kids at heart, added an exotic flair and a touch of magic! Meanwhile, local musicians like the Red Light Challenge and the Steve Fulton Band delivered electrifying live performances, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
As attendees enjoyed these performances, they also relished the offerings from various food trucks. Traditional palate delights included etouffee, gumbo, and smoked mac n cheese with a “Chef’s Style” option, loaded with collard greens. Each vendor provided delicious eats that added culture to the day’s enjoyment, ensuring a perfect blend of music, dance, and gourmet bites that enveloped the celebration in a festively vibrant atmosphere.
A Passport Adventure and Prizes Galore
The Mardi Gras in March block party also marked the grand finale of the Passport Adventure, a journey through Garden City that encouraged exploration and support of local businesses. Participants turned in their completed passports, filled with travel stamps, eager to discover what prizes awaited them.
The anticipation built up to the prize drawing, where luxurious Staycation packages were up for grabs. These packages included overnight stays at The Riverside and The Lofts at 35th and Clay, complemented by gift certificates for dining and experiences at local favorites like Ling and Louie’s, Wepa Cafe, Potter Wines, and Rolling Hills Vineyard Urban Tasting Room. The array of prizes, generously donated by local businesses, reflected the community’s vibrant spirit and generosity.
Reflecting on the vibrant Mardi Gras in March block party, the assortment of prizes generously donated by Garden City’s businesses was a true highlight, captivating participants with various local offerings. Other notable prizes came from Push & Pour, Somewhere Bar, Sunflower Florist, and Uhaul (Garden City). For craft beer lovers, IdaWild Brewing, Barbarian Brewing, Western Collective, Twisted District, and Bert’s Brewing offered gifts, further appealing to those with a taste for unique and locally brewed beverages. Culinary delights were well represented, with Black Moon Pizza and Cafe Luciano’s offering gift certificates that promised a feast of flavors. Casa Bella Home Décor and Ricochet Home Consignment contributed to the mix with prizes that promised to add elegance to any home. At the same time, wine lovers had a chance to enjoy experiences from Telaya Wine Co., Potter Wines, Split Rail Winery, Sturman’s Wine and Cigars, and Coiled Wines, all known for their exquisite selection.
This fantastic array of contributions from Garden City’s businesses, including the memorable offerings from Cadallic Matt’s, Combat Sport Supply, Moxie Java, The Farm, Section 37 Axe Throwing, and Zion Glass Blowing, highlighted the rich tapestry of local offerings. We would be amiss if we did not mention the fun and witty wine glasses from your very own Garden City Visitors Bureau filled with an assortment of Mardi Gras beads, candy, and Telaya Wine Co. swag and Potter Wines tasting cards and cute coffee mugs with $5 Dutch Bros gift cards.
From gourmet food and fine wines to home furnishings and exhilarating experiences, each prize reflected the quality and diversity of Garden City, making the Mardi Gras in March block party a memorable celebration of community spirit and local enterprise.
