To ensure the most accurate, current and updated event information, we have provided a direct link to the Nevada City Chamber's Event Calendar. Don't Miss this... Mardi Gras Celebration in Historic Nevada City February 2-3 NEVADA CITY - Gaily masked characters, pirates, Cajun cookin’ and midwinter fun come to the Sierra foothills Feb. 2-3 as Mardi Gras is celebrated with Nevada City style. Nevada City’s main drag, Broad Street, becomes a West Coast Bourbon Street as merry spectators fill the downtown historic district for the annual Mardi Gras parade. The Sunday afternoon (Feb. 3) family parade is a rain or shine event, beginning at 2 p.m. at the top of Broad Street. Colorfully masked and costumed societies ride, march and dance through an appreciative crowd handing out beads, trinkets, bangles and more. Everyone is encouraged to wear their own festive Mardi Gras attire. Grand Marshals for the 2008 event are television celebrities Guy Farris and Kristen Simoes of KXTV-News 10’s Sacramento & Co. This year’s “Pirates’ Quest for Gold” themed celebration kicks off on Saturday night (Feb. 2) with the annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball in historic Miners Foundry at 325 Spring Street. The masquerade ball, from 8 p.m. to midnight, features dancing to the live southern rock of the Holcomb Brothers Band. Traditional Cajun food will be available, including Cajun sausage sandwiches, chicken and sausage gumbo, southern style cole slaw, red beans and rice and bread pudding. Masquerade ball tickets are $10 in advance and (if available) $15 at the door. The event usually sells out so advance tickets are recommended. Contact the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce at 132 Main Street, call (530) 265-2692 or (800) 655-NJOY or see www.nevadacitychamber.com. Activities surrounding Sunday’s free family parade include a Mardi Gras Street Faire from 11- 4 p.m. Food, drink, craft and clothing vendors will set up booths on North Pine and Commercial streets, with plenty of room for families with children and baby strollers. To ease downtown traffic and parking, a free shuttle service will carry visitors to the Sunday parade from free parking at the Nevada County Government Center on Highway 49. Shuttle hours are noon-5 on Sunday (Feb. 3). Nevada City is known for its classic small town spirit and lively events. With a population of just 3,001, Nevada City swells to thousands more for the annual Mardi Gras celebration. Visitors should plan to arrive early to get a good vantage point along the parade route. Out-of-town visitors should book local accommodations early. Nevada City is located on the western slope of the Sierra, midway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. From Sacramento, take eastbound Interstate 80 to Auburn and Highway 49 north to Nevada City. From Marysville and the north valley, take eastbound State Route 20. From Reno, take westbound I-80 and westbound State Route 20. For more information, contact the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce at (530) 265-2692 or (800) 655-NJOY or see www.nevadacitychamber.com.   Calendar links can be added to this page, at no cost, for your event or events, if they are listed on your website and updated on a regular basis, for local events and activities that are open to the public. Email your information, click here or call historichwy49.com (Hot Spots Multi Media) at 775-588-7768