The wait is almost over for people who’ve been looking forward to attending the 2023 Fairport Mardi Gras.
“Beach Party” is the theme of this year’s festival, which takes place from June 29 through July 2 at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park, 301 Huntington Beach Drive.
The 2023 celebration will feature carnival-style amusem*nt rides and games, provided and operated by Lisko Family Amusem*nts of Lowellville, Ohio.
In addition, an abundance of food concessions and other exhibits will be in place at this year’s festival, said Fairport Mardi Gras Committee President Shannon Barnhill.
“We have so many concessionaires and special booths that we had to make an extended midway,” she said.
Barnhill said the 2023 Mardi Gras is a family friendly event that offers enjoyable activities for children and adults.
“There will be live music daily; all ages bingo on July 2; bull riding is back; a kids day overflowing with free fun, and so much more,” she said.
This year’s Mardi Gras, which marks the 81st anniversary of the event, also is selling raffle tickets for a new golf cart or $3,500 in cash.
Rides, games and concessions at Mardi Gras will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. June 29 and noon to 11 p.m. June 30 through July 2. The opening night of the event will feature a parade, and the festival will close on July 2 with a fireworks display.
Here is a schedule of daily events for the 2023 Mardi Gras:
June 29
Parade Day
• 7 p.m.: The annual parade begins on Third Street, at its intersection with East Street. The procession then heads west on Third Street; south onto Vine Street; west on Seventh Street; and north on Eagle Street; where it ends on Third Street, near Village Hall. After the parade, judging and crowning of the 2023 Mardi Gras Queen will take place in Memorial Park, located on Third Street between Eagle and Plum streets.
• 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. —Ted Riser and the Marshall Band
June 30
Senior Day
• 1 to 3 p.m. — Senior bingo, snacks and prizes under the Entertainment Garden Tent.
Note: Fairport Harbor Senior Center will provide bus transportation to Senior Day bingo for senior citizens from any community.
Seniors can park at the senior center, 1380 East St., and take a Laketran bus down to the festival. Loops run at 12:15, 12:30 and 12:45. Return trips will start at 3 p.m. from the Entertainment Garden.
Sign up is not required, but requested. Seniors should call the Senior Center at (440) 354-3674 to let them know they plan to use the bus.
• 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Richard Music
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Jester’s Revenge
July 1
Kids Day (Discounted ride wristbands)
• 1 to 5 p.m. — Touch a truck, watermelon eating contest, facepainting and cotton candy
• 2 to 5 p.m. — Cracker Jack the Clown
• 1 to 7 p.m. — DJ Wild Bill McCabe
• 8 to 11 p.m. — Joe Panzerella
July 2
Fireworks
• 1 to 3 p.m. — Bingo for all ages ($1 per card, split the pot. Bring your own dauber.)
• 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. — 2 Guys 12 Strings
• 7 to 11 p.m. — DJ David Lee
Dusk: Fireworks (Entertainment Garden Center and the hill to the north of Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse offer the best views.)
