PHOTOS: Fat Tuesday fun kicks off Mardi Gras festivities in Snowmass

News | Mar 5, 2025

Austin Colbert

Erica Shannon, left, who goes by DJ Erica, hugs King Mike Sura, with Queen Marla Welch at right, during the bead toss as part of the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.
*Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times*

Mardi Gras returned to Snowmass Ski Area on Fat Tuesday with the annual parade and bead toss through the mall and down to Base Village.

Mike Sura and Marla Welch served as Mardi Gras royalty this year, leading the bead toss. At the base, DJ Erica kept the vibes high before turning the stage over to the Spazmatics and their 1980s inspired covers.

The day began with the 33rd annual Mother of All Ascensions, and ended with a fireworks show on Fanny Hill.

Photos by Austin Colbert for The Aspen Times.

A stiltwalker tosses out beads as part of the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.

Kids enjoy the bead toss as part of the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.

A child has her face painted during the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.

Mardi Gras King Mike Sura hands out beads for Fat Tuesday on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.

Erica Shannon, who goes by DJ Erica, keeps the beats going during the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.

Mardi Gras Queen Marla Welch hands out beads for Fat Tuesday on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Snowmass Mall.

A live brass band plays during the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Snowmass Mall.

Guests enjoy the face painting table as part of the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A stiltwalker claps with a guest as part of the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Mardi Gras King Mike Sura hands out beads for Fat Tuesday on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Snowmass Mall.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A live brass band plays during the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Snowmass Mall.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Mardi Gras Queen Marla Welch hands out beads for Fat Tuesday on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Snowmass Mall.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Erica Shannon, who goes by DJ Erica, keeps the beats going during the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
People dance as a live brass band plays during the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Snowmass Mall.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A stiltwalker entertains the crowd as part of the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Guests enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A child searches for beads in the sky during the bead toss as part of the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Erica Shannon, left, who goes by DJ Erica, hugs King Mike Sura, with Queen Marla Welch at right, during the bead toss as part of the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A stiltwalker tosses out beads as part of the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A child has her face painted during the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Mardi Gras King Mike Sura hands out beads for Fat Tuesday on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Kids enjoy the bead toss as part of the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Snowmass Base Village.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A live brass band plays during the Mardi Gras festivities on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Snowmass Mall.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times