Cover Story

by Charis Patires

Mardi Gras Pub Crawl

The World’s Largest Pub Crawl will be taking place over four days this year, February 18-21 at Lake of the Ozarks. The popular Mardi Gras Pub Crawl has evolved in a post-COVID world but organizers have been working to keep the longstanding event alive despite unforeseen challenges getting the buses running again.

This year’s Pub Crawl will be different from previous years. Participants will be asked to check in on social media, using the hashtag #LOZPubCrawl22. The more places a person checks in, the better the odds are that they’ll go home with a prize.

In previous years, the Pub Crawl took place on one day with buses shuttling participants to more than a dozen stops in the Lake Ozark/ Osage Beach area. Last year buses did not run due to COVID. Participants checked in to Pub Crawl stops using an official App and a variety of prizes were awarded.

An effort was made to bring the buses back this year, but due to a labor shortage the bus company could not commit to staffing drivers for the Crawl. There are a number of safe transportation options listed on the official event website www.LakePubCrawl.com, along with overnight accommodations.

According to Luke Hagedorn, Lake Area Chamber of Commerce board member, Pub Crawl committee member, and general manager of Dog Days, extending George Denny photos

the Pub Crawl from one to four days gives people the chance to visit the Lake during the offseason and take time to visit local businesses. With President’s Day on Monday, Feb. 21 some people will be able to take advantage of a long weekend.

Each day of the crawl, a Host Party will be held. On Friday the Kick Off Party will take place at Dog Days. Saturday’s Crawling All Day Party is at The Encore Lakeside Grill & Sky Bar. On Sunday Tirebiters hosts the Don’t Stop Crawling party, and Monday will be the Funday Farewell Crawlers party at Foxxy Roxy inside the Regalia Hotel & Conference Center. Each place is planning to offer Pub Crawl specials such as entertainment, buffets or other activities.

Check www.LakePubCrawl.com for a full list of participating stops. There is no official App this year. Participants can take a photo, use the hashtag #LOZPubCrawl22 and post to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for a chance to win prizes.