Fairfield Bay Marina is bringing the spirit of Mardi Gras to the lake with Boati-Gras 2025, a full-day celebration of music, costumes, boats, and local flavor. Taking place on Saturday, April 26, from noon to 4 pm, this unique spring event blends lakeside tradition with high-energy entertainment for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Boati-Gras invites visitors and locals alike to enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day. The ever-popular costume contest will award prizes to the best-dressed man and woman, so guests are encouraged to get creative with festive, Mardi Gras-inspired attire. Meanwhile, the boat parade will transform the marina into a moving showcase of decorated vessels, with prizes awarded to the top three entries.
A highlight of the afternoon is the Blessing of the Fleet, hosted by the Fairfield Bay Yacht Club. This special moment offers boaters a chance to receive well-wishes for a safe and joyful boating season on Greers Ferry Lake. It’s a longstanding maritime tradition that adds a thoughtful and heartfelt touch to the festivities.
Live music will provide the perfect backdrop to the day’s celebrations. Performances will include the powerful vocals and soul-filled sound of the Mississippi Blues Queen, along with a set by the high-energy Cold Blue Steel band. Their blend of blues, rock, and Southern rhythm will keep the crowd entertained into the evening.
For those looking to refuel, the event will feature food from Make Me a Sammich, a local food truck known for its bold, flavorful sandwiches. It’s the ideal complement to a day full of music, celebration, and fun by the water.
Whether you plan to join the boat parade, enjoy the music from shore, or simply soak up the festive atmosphere, Boati-Gras offers something for everyone. It’s a perfect way to kick off the spring season in Fairfield Bay and experience the vibrant lake community in full celebration mode.
For more event details and updates, visit https://visitfairfieldbay.com/marina/
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.