URGENT UPDATE: Saugatuck is buzzing with excitement as the city celebrates Fat Tuesday and the Lunar New Year (Year of the Fire Horse) in a vibrant Mardi Gras-themed pub crawl. On February 17, participants hit the streets at nearly 50°F, donning colorful costumes and reveling in festive cheer.
The lively event kicked off with the Great Lakes Brass Band leading the jubilant crowd in a Second Line Pub Crawl between five downtown taverns, including Wally’s Bar & Grill and Phil’s Bar & Grille. Revelers were encouraged to “crawl” between venues, creating an energetic atmosphere filled with music and laughter.
Proceeds from this spirited event benefit the Red Horse Collaborative Leadership Center, a nonprofit dedicated to providing therapeutic mental health, art, and leadership development programs for children in Allegan County. The organization emphasizes the importance of interacting with nature, dogs, and horses to foster emotional growth.
As participants kicked off the crawl at Wally’s, punch cards and festive party gear—beads, feathered boas, and more—were handed out. The Great Lakes Brass Band filled the air with enchanting tunes, drawing a crowd that only grew as the day unfolded. Partygoers burst out of venues, marching with joyful abandon down Hoffman Street and onto Butler Street, creating a lively procession of color and sound.
The crawl continued to other popular spots, including The Sand Bar Saloon, The Butler, and Wicks Park Bar & Grille, culminating at The Southerner, where participants indulged in a delicious Cajun buffet and enjoyed a final set from the band.
With safety in mind, many attendees took advantage of Interurban buses to ensure a cheap and reliable ride home after a day of celebration. This community-driven event not only provided fun but also reinforced support for local youth initiatives, making it a memorable day for all.
As the festivities conclude, the impact of this year’s Fat Tuesday celebration resonates deeply, fostering community spirit and support for future generations. Don’t miss out on the excitement—next year’s crawl promises to be even bigger and better!
