Snow holds off Saturday for Mardi Gras celebration in Manitou Springs

Cold weather and the threat of snow may have lessened the crowd somewhat but not the excitement for Saturday’s annual Mardi Gras celebration in Manitou Springs.

The opening event was the Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off at Soda Springs Park.

26 professional chefs and home cooks competed for prizes and hundreds of spectators each paid $2 to taste the gumbo and vote for what they considered to be the best.

At 1 p.m., the Carnivale parade rolled down Manitou Avenue, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd.

The parade featured a few floats and dozens of walkers wearing festive costumes.

One of the celebration’s themes this year is “Keep Manitou Weird,” a nod to that community’s arts culture and independent spirit.

This marked the 27th year for the parade and the 25th year for the gumbo competition.

In the gumbo cook-off, Iron Springs Chateau took first place in the professional division, and Gabriel Wilson was tops in the amateur division. Paul Has won the showmanship award, and the people’s choice award went to John Hudson.

Last year’s Mardi Gras celebration continues despite a snowstorm, and another storm hit the area just hours after this year’s festivities ended.