Small Town Mardi Gras

Its that time of year again for the Fairport Harbor Mardi Gras. Located 45 minutes east of Cleveland Ohio and nestled on Lake Erie, this small fair is held every year on the Lake Metroparks Beach. Starting the fair off with a parade and finishing with a night of fireworks this Mardi Gras is an attraction that draws families from miles away. It brings in not only new revenue for this small town, but brings back those that have moved away.

The Mardi Gras has changed this year. Due to the increasing low economy it runs only 4 days instead of the 5 it has run for the past sixty eight years. Coming back this year is also the famous "beer tent" which was banned when Metroparks took over the beach. The beer tent will be placed on the Port Authority property on the far NW end of the beach near the boat docks. The raffle prizes have also changed and for the first time in years there will be no car raffled off. Along with the rides and games at the fair there will also be a sand building competition on the beach and local bands playing on the hill.

The fair opens on July 2 and runs through July 5. Opening day starts at 7pm with a parade that winds its way through town and finishes up in the park with the crowing of the Mardi Gras queen. New also this year will be a Mardi Gras prince and princess. The fair includes all your favorite foods and drinks along with rides from the youngest to the oldest in your family. The Mardi Gras is free to get in with ticket prices at $1.00 per ticket, each ride taking 2-5 tickets each. Or you can purchase wristbands for $12.00 during the day and $14.00 in the evening. Friday is Kids Day at the fair from 1pm to 5pm at a cost of $6.00 for a wristband that lets you on all rides. The fair is open from noon until 11 pm all four days with fireworks on the last evening July 5 at dusk on the beach.

The Mardi Gras in Fairport is great for not only having a day at the fair, but spending time at the beach while you're at it. Parking is difficult and not allowed down on the beach. You must park at the top of the hill or somewhere in town and walk down the hill. On parade night allow yourself at least 2 hours before parade time to make it into town and be prepared on both opening night and closing night to spend at least 2 hours getting back out of town. All in all though the Mardi Gras is a continuing tradition that your family is sure to enjoy.