AKRON, Ohio - Stray Dog Café is hosting a Mardi Gras celebration on Feb. 16 from noon to 7 p.m. at Lock 3's Winter Wonderland Room.
Mardi Gras, which means "Fat Tuesday" in French, is an annual Christian holiday that celebrates the end of Carnival celebrations. Held the day before Ash Wednesday, Mardi Gras is celebrated worldwide, often with fatty foods and sweets, parades and music.
And arguably nowhere in the U.S. is Mardi Gras celebrated more feverishly than New Orleans. Stray Dog Café's celebration promises bold flavors and New Orleans flair, according to the event website. Food is available on a dine-in and carry-out basis, and family-size trays can also be ordered.
Menu options include crawfish etouffee, Cajun smoked chicken, alligator and andouille gumbo, and side dishes such as Cajun corn and red beans and rice. Desserts options include bananas foster banana bread pudding and paczki.
Those looking to get some delicious eats can find the Lock 3 Winter Wonderland Room on the bottom level of the O'Neil's Building, located at 222 S. Main St. The building can be accessed by elevator from the State Street Parking Deck or from Lock 3 (the doors are in between the two concession trailers).
Feb. 16 is also the last day of Lock 3's Winter Blast fun, featuring ice skating, ice bumper cars, ice bikes and fire pits. Feb. 16 Winter Blast hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
