Carol Fisher Linn
It’s that time of the year when Mardi Gras Parade Marchers Appear in Ellicottville… It all began 32 years ago…
Have you ever wondered how things start? As a history buff, I always want to know. It seems everything starts with a need, inspiration, action.
Such was the case with the iconic Ellicottville Mardi Gras parade which never took place during Mardi Gras and ridiculously takes place during Winter Carnival week (which takes place this year March 9 & 10, 2024), at night, in winter, on a state highway. Why on earth? Right? Well, you can give all the credit for the need to Arlene Solly, proprietor of one of Ellicottville’s delights – Kazoo II. It was 1992 when Arlene had the brilliant inspiration to open her unique store on our main street, opposite from where it is today. She decided that the grand opening would be held during Winter Carnival. No matter that it was, historically, one of the slowest weekends in town because visitors came for the skiing and apres-ski activities and did not come into town. She was not to be dissuaded, so this writer, who was helping with the Grand Opening, needed to find a way to get people into town. A trip to Holiday Valley was on the hasty agenda.
Meeting with Jane Eshbaugh (Holiday Valley’s Marketing Director at that time), I presented the case for bringing people into town. After several suggestions fell woefully flat, I began to think out loud (very dangerous) and said, “wouldn’t it be fun to select the King and Queen of Holiday Valley’s Winter Carnival in town? In fact, wouldn’t it be fun to have a parade to bring more people into town to select them?” As soon as the ridiculous words were in the air, unable to be plucked back before anyone took them seriously, Jane Eshbaugh looked me in the eye and said, “great idea – why don’t you do it?” It was three weeks until the Winter Carnival/Kazoo Grand Opening!
Ellicottville, being Ellicottville (bless them all), made things happen with the help of Holiday Valley, then-Mayor John Burrell, who shook his head but said he would help, Brain McFadden (Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce), Mike Kerns Sr. (owner of Balloon’s Restaurant and Nightclub) who thought we were on a fool’s errand, and Patti Crist (Realtor Extraordinaire) who helped in any way she could – word of mouth, breaking arms … whatever it took. Imagine walking into every store and restaurant in town, announcing we would have a parade in three weeks – at night – and could we count on them for a float or marching group? Well, as I said, it’s Ellicottville so, rallying from “What? Are you crazy?” they got into action, assembled marching troupes, created floats and three weeks later, with the help of the Ski Patrols, Safety Patrol, the Fire Department, the local police, the Village, the DPW, the Chamber of Commerce and so many more helpers who came out of nowhere, we pulled off the impossible. Snow had to be cleared, 219 had to be closed, yet it happened. You’ve heard the expression – “If you build it, they will come.” And come they did – a total of 20 participated with marching groups, ski mountains on wheels, kids, floats, horses, the Oscar Meyer Weiner, and a Giant Canadian flag. Crowds lined the streets. For years, our esteemed announcer was Bobby McCarthy, Master of ceremonies was Bill Schell, Tommy O’Connor was parade Master Clown, Undisputed King was King Ken Brown; queens over the early years were Ginger Anderson, Emily Eckley, Carol Erickson and so many other good sports who jumped into the festivities as Frolicking Nuns, Menopause Maidens and fantasy creatures of all stripes. They set the zany tone well.
This year’s parade on our main street is Saturday, March 9th at 6pm. The Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce took it over after our small group ran out of steam. With Brian McFadden and Barb Pump at the helm, and Punxsutawney Phil and his handler as Master of Ceremonies, it just gets better and better. Please check with the Chamber for more information on being part of the festivities. I’m told there are some new surprises when it comes to royalty in attendance. You’ll just have to attend yourself and see. Please bring a canned good or two to donate to the Food Pantries, courtesy of the Holiday Valley Ski Patrol who will be collecting both at the entrance to Tops and during the parade. Please note, the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce reminds everyone that the Mardi Gras Parade is a family-friendly event. As a reminder, no alcohol is permitted in the pa-rade. Do come for the fun and enjoy!
P.S. It’s called “Mardi Gras” because the Holiday Valley Winter Carnival was held on the Mardi Gras slope.