Those trying to get their pre-Lenten party on, look no further.
Mardi Gras is next week, but downtown St. Pete's EDGE District will host its second annual Fat Tuesday celebration starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, while Ricky P's Orleans Bistro kicks off the revelry the night before.
The N'awlins-style restaurant, also observing its three-year anniversary, will feature a Louisiana crawfish boil with potatoes, Cajun sausage and more at 5 p.m. Friday, alongside tunes from the Back Track Blues Band.
Its anniversary festivities will continue with a Gospel Jazz Brunch from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Sunday, and a free King Cake deal for diners who purchase a meal on Tuesday.
During the EDGE's all-day merriment Saturday, though, various establishments in the district (which extends along Central Avenue, as well as First Avenue North and South) will showcase door prizes, art classes, discounts and, most importantly, grub and drinks.
Look for King Cake and complimentary wine from Now & Then; gumbo, jambalaya, Abita beer and Tropical Storm cocktails at Ricky P's; 11 a.m. lunch at The Edge Lounge & Tapas (the 50th customer wins a free drink); beads and $4 Abita pints from The Flying Pig Taphouse; and Brooklyn South's V-Day cheese platters and chocolate-dipped strawberries, gumbo and other samples.
The 4 p.m. "Purple Reigns"-themed parade will begin and end at Ricky P's, running west to 16th Street before it heads east on Central to Ninth Street.
Afterward, Ricky P's will hold a Mardi Gras costume contest as other joints, including The Amsterdam, The Bends and Ferg's, keep the merriment going with live performances.
