Crystal Beach may have been chilly this past Saturday, but the spirit at Swedes Park was nothing short of electric. The community gathered for the first-ever Courir de Mardi Gras, a vibrant celebration hosted by The Motley Krewe and the Bolivar Arena Association. The event honored the centuries-old “Chicken Run” traditions of Cajun country, blending heritage with the high-energy excitement of a coastal gumbo cook-off.
Despite the biting wind and cool temperatures, 22 dedicated cook teams arrived at dawn to set up their stations. By mid-morning, the air at Swedes Park was thick with the scent of gumbo roux.
When the gates opened at 10:00 AM, celebrants arrived to sample the savory entries in the gumbo cook-off competition. They were invited to vote for their favorite by dropping a token in that team’s bucket to determine the winner of the prestigious People’s Choice Award.
Some cook teams also participated in the Chef’s Choice Cajun Dish category, showcasing culinary creativity, and the Bloody Marys competition, the perfect morning pick-me-up.
Guests enjoyed live music and browsed a selection of silent auction featuring items donated by generous local sponsors and cook teams. For those looking for a bit of extra skin in the game, the Calcutta wagering on the cook teams kept the competitive spirit high.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Chicken Run. This wasn’t just a spectator sport; it was an all-ages invitation to get in on the action.
Contestants from “little kids to oldsters” lined up in the “chicken coop” (the arena corral), waiting with bated breath. Once the chickens were tossed into the ring, chaos—and hilarity—ensued. The crowd roared as participants darted and dove, with medals awarded to the lucky and fast-fingered few who successfully caught a bird.
The finale brought a special local flavor to the ring as mascots from local schools and businesses faced off in their own chicken chase, competing for nothing but pure bragging rights and community pride.
The success of this weekend proved that the spirit of Mardi Gras is alive and well on the Peninsula. We want to extend a huge thank you to the organizers, the volunteers, and the sponsors who made this possible.
The inaugural Courir de Mardi Gras was a masterclass in community spirit. We can only hope this becomes a permanent fixture on our annual calendar!
After much deliberation (and plenty of tasting), the judges have spoken! A Cajun congratulation goes out to our inaugural champions:
