Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. - A new world record is expected when the 10th Annual Mardi Gras Pub Crawl hits the road on Feb. 19 at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. Considered the world's largest pub crawl, this year's festivities are expected to attract a new record crowd of up to 6,000 participants, organizers say.
During the Pub Crawl, a fleet of more than 20 shuttle buses will carry participants to 19 Lake-area restaurants and bars. Participating venues will feature a variety of food and drink, including Ozarks barbecue, Chicago-style pizza, seafood, Mexican favorites and more. Bars will offer live rock, blues and country music, plus DJs and karaoke. Along the way, revelers will be able to collect plenty of Mardi Gras beads and souvenirs.
There is plenty of fun to be had at the world's largest Mardi Gras Pub Crawl.
Event organizers also have partnered with 12 local hotels to offer great rates for the Pub Crawl weekend, so visitors can spend some extra time enjoying the Lake's year-round attractions and winter beauty.
For participants, the event offers a chance to sample the Lake's diverse cuisine and nightlife, safely and affordably. "There's no reason for anyone to drive anywhere," said Mardi Gras Pub Crawl Chair Jeff Carroll. "Over the years we've worked with police, fire and liquor control to create a good event that's safe for everyone."
A $5 wristband, available at any of the venues and participating hotels, provides access to the Pub Crawl's good times. Participants must be at least 21 years old to purchase wristbands. The wristband allows participants unlimited shuttle rides between venues and hotels. The hotel shuttles begin at 3:00 p.m. and the non-hotel shuttles will run from 4:00 p.m. until 2:30 a.m.
"Everyone enjoys the Pub Crawl," said Carroll, owner of Pickled Pete's Sports Bar and Grill. "Our venues enjoy the extra business and participants enjoy the chance to have a great time while saving money. That $5 wristband pays their cover charge to all the bars and restaurants. And they can let someone else do the driving."
"Winter is great time to visit the Lake," added R.J. Rau., Pub Crawl spokesman. "It's a great time to relax and enjoy the Lake's slower off-season pace. But even in the winter there's still plenty to do. Depending on the weather, you can golf or even get out on the water. I saw people test driving their boats yesterday."
Even in the winter, there's still plenty to do around the scenic Lake of the Ozarks in the offseason.
For more information on the Pub Crawl, click on www.LakePubCrawl.com. And to find out more about other Lake-area events, as well as attractions, shopping, lodging, dining and more, contact the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) or visit www.FunLake.com.
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