King Douglass Edmundson and Queen Annie Schmitt greeted their loyal subjects in 2020.
Does it seem like a really long time since we’ve put on our green, gold and purple finery to parade through downtown? Has it been an eternity since we’ve savored gumbo that a chef has served from a huge stockpot?
Well, Manitou Springs’ last Carnivale Parade and Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-off happened in February 2020, just before COVID-19 brought everything to a screeching halt.
“Canceling 2021 was devastating, but luckily it was only one year. A group of locals still dressed up and marched down the sidewalks behind the reigning king and queen,” said Jenna Gallas, special events coordinator at the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Manitou’s special brand of fun is returning to downtown on Saturday, Feb. 26, so dust off your Mardi Gras beads and try on your costume.
Gallas is keeping an eye on the weather forecast and, if the day does turn out to be sunny with a high of 40 degrees, she expects 3,000 to 4,000 people to gather downtown.
Visitors can park for a fee at Hiawatha Gardens, 10 Old Man’s Trail, then walk from there. Free parking will be available at Manitou Springs High School, 401 El Monte Place, and Manitou Springs Middle School, 415 El Monte Place.
From there, shuttles will be provided by Grayline (which comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act) and Local Motive. They’ll run 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday.
The gumbo cook-off will feature six professional and 14 amateur chefs, who will be stirring their steaming stockpots in Soda Springs Park’s Bud Ford Pavilion, 1016 Manitou Ave. Tastings cost 75 cents each, or three for $2, and are available 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
You’ll need to keep dogs at home for this part of the day.
Don’t leave the pavilion before you’ve voted for your favorite gumbo. Judges will select the first, second and third places, which earn cash prizes. Esteemed local potter Mark Wong is creating this year’s trophies.
“They’re going to be fantastic and also a nod to the 150th year of Manitou,” Gallas said.
Next, find a good spot to watch the parade; this year’s theme is “Mystical Manitou.” As always, the Carnivale Court will carry the giant letters spelling out “Carnivale.”
The top vote-getters were: King Joel Grotzinger and Queen Marjorie Somers; dukes Dale Childre and Ben Hall; maids Sallie Knox Hall and Danielle Rogge; and jester Jared Thompson.
“I’m looking forward to all the ‘Mystical Manitou’ costumes walking up Manitou Avenue this year,” Gallas said.
If you’re participating, you don’t need to register — just line up (with or without a group) at noon at Memorial Park, 500 block of Manitou Avenue. The parade officially starts at 1 p.m.
Animals on leashes are welcome to march along with their people, but no motorized vehicles will be allowed.
Parade participants can walk over to spectators and hand them candy or beads, but no throwing. Also, handing out fliers is a no-no due to environmental concerns.
About 20 groups participated in that 2020 Carnivale Parade. After last year’s hiatus, the 2022 parade could be even larger, greener, golder and purpler.