A New Orleans style Mardi Gras makes sense because it can be promoted as a package commodity for lodging, dining, shopping, golfing, and business and family entertainment. Because of the excellent venue that Eureka Springs and its environs offers, Eureka Gras can eventually be promoted to the “snow-birds” of the Mid-West states as an alternative to visiting New Orleans. After a preliminary two yea
r test, in 2008, Dan Ellis made a five-year commitment to the maturation of Eureka Gras to see its fulfillment as the “Priming-of-the-Pump” for the beginning of each new year’s Tourist season. To have this plan realized, as imbued on the Gulf Coast since 1830, a Mardi Gras fever must take place that will result in all Lodging and Business establishments sending forth an E-mail campaign to their guest and customer lists. That, in addition to the promotions and advertising that is performed by the CAPC, each local business should spend at least 10 percent of their anticipated earnings for the months of January, February, and March on promotions of their own products, services, and their establishment location. Just as Eureka dresses up for the Christmas two month season, for Eureka Gras, our Downtown should include bunting and banners – of Purple, Green and Gold throughout the town for Jan/Feb. This is also a call to all businesses to create a Float. It is a known fact that a Great Parade will draw Great Crowds – a Great Parade needs Great Floats. And further, this is a call to all citizens of the area to make Eureka Gras their tribute to Mardi Gras by costuming and sending E-mails to their friends and relatives – near and far. Mardi Gras New Orleans is promoted as a Great Free Festival — This can also be achieved in Eureka Springs. The 2012 season has expanded to four masquerade balls as shown on the attached 9-day 2012 Carnival Season. Advertising and promotions, and, yes, more advertising and promotions are needed by all — including emails, and internet websites, and Tweets, and FaceBooks, and even telephone calls. Take time to watch the Extravaganza Video at www.Krazo.Ureeka.Org. If you don’t catch the FEVER, then you will be nominated to the “Krewe of Zombies.”
Dan Ellis – Captain, Krewe of Krazo