Friday becomes Fat Tuesday tonight as the annual "Fridays @ Third Street" fetes kick off with a Mardi Gras-theme party and the Deja Blues Band takes the outdoor stage at 7 p.m.
The award-winning quintet is known throughout the region for its high-energy mix of soul, rock, ballads and blues - the perfect way to start out this summer's series, according to Jamesa Cramer of Mom and Pop's Diner.
Cramer and her husband, Doug, started the insta-promenade five years ago in hopes of bringing something fun to the downtown area.
"Once the farmers market outgrew the area and moved into Mills Park, we wanted to bring some of the good times back," said Cramer.
The pair teamed with Carson City Redevelopment Authority and came up with the all-ages, all-fun festival.
Come tonight, drinks, food, dancing and belly dancers will line the street and bring a touch of Mardi Gras to the normally quiet corridor - a little family fun without the mounted police, tear gas or bottle riots of New Orleans' Bourbon Street.
The cooks at Mom and Pop's, on the corner of Third and Carson streets, will serve up their usual friendly fare of cheeseburgers, hot dogs, French fries, tri-tip sandwiches and rice bowls to go with a wide variety of drinks.
Depending on the crowd, the band usually plays until 11 or 11:30 p.m., according to Cramer.
The weekly summer celebration of food, drink and music will run every Friday at 7 p.m. until Oct. 28.
n Contact reporter Peter Thompson at pthompson@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1215.
If you go
What: Friday's @ Third Street with live music from the Deja Blues Band
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Corner of Third and Telegraph streets
More info: Call 884-4411
Cost: Free