The streets of Olde Town Arvada were awash in gold, green and purple on Feb. 21 to celebrate the Fourth Annual Mardi Gras in the historic district — just in time for Fat Tuesday.

About 300 merrymakers joined in on the celebratory kickoff march — sponsored by CenturyLink — which featured brass band performances from Guerilla Fanfare (who’ve become regulars at the event) as folks marched from Carly’s Boutique on Grandview to Denver Beer Co. on Olde Wadsworth.

With all 12 band members in attendance — a self-proclaimed rarity — Guerilla Fanfare broke into spirited renditions of Dua Lipa’s “Levitating,” “The Next Episode” by Dr. Dre and other contemporary pop songs.

As folks marched and danced, Olde Town businesses got in on the festivities as well, offering up Louisiana staples and Mardi Gras specialties throughout the evening.  

Olde Town Business Improvement District Executive Director Joe Hengstler said he’s excited about how much the event has grown over the years.

"This event has continued to grow year after year, and it is always encouraging to see the community come out in mass to support Olde Town and our small businesses,” Henglster said. “There was great energy throughout Olde Town Tuesday night with so many businesses offering specials and people really getting into the spirit of Mardi Gras."

Hengstler added that sometimes it can be a challenging event to have in the middle of the week and in the middle of winter, but luckily this time the weather cooperated.

"I think businesses had a good night, which I know they appreciated," he said. "We definitely need to thank Guerrilla Fanfare for providing such stellar entertainment and CenturyLink for supporting this event, as well as the BID board of directors who are always trying to find new and creative ways to support the District."

While many local businesses offered up traditional Mardi Gras cocktails like hurricanes and Sazerac’s — School House’s hurricane was the talk of the town — some took it a step further.

School House had a special crawfish boil that drew rave reviews; the Arvada Tavern went all out with gumbo, jambalaya stuffed peppers and beignets; Elevated Seltzer debuted gator bites and muffuletta sandwiches; po’boys were served at So Radish (vegan, naturally), Stix and Smoking Fins; Rheinlander Bakery served up their ever-popular King Cakes.