While many may associate Mardi Gras with catching beads, in small towns like Eunice, the focus is on chasing chickens. Participants will dress in costume as part of a 12-mile chicken run, with some on horseback. Captain of the Eunice Mardi Gras Pat Frey said the country version of the Mardi Gras has been going for 123 years.
“It started in the old days and we try to kind of keep that tradition going today. Back then, it was the men that ran. The women stayed back and boilers prepared the gumbo,” said Frey.
Frey said a when it comes to gumbo at the Eunice Mardi Gras, they do it big.
“We cook 400 pounds of chicken hen, 150 pounds of sausage. We feed 500 bowls of gumbo after the run,” said Frey.
There are a few limitations on the run. You have to be 18 to participate and have to be in costume. Frey said the run happens regardless of the weather conditions, and they expect about 800-1000 join in on the festivities.
“A few years ago, it was freezing rain, and I froze my butt off. We always run. We never cancel Mardi Gras in Eunice,” said Frey.
