Can't get to New Orleans? There's still CarniVail

​There is no Mardi Gras parade in Denver, but you don't have to trek all the way to our nation's Francophone capitals (namely St. Louis and New Orleans) for some marching madness tomorrow. CarniVail, which started yesterday and goes through the end of the week, hits the streets of Vail tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.

The festivities start with a Street Party, sponsored by Bud Light, in Vail Village. And the parade starts at 4:00 p.m. Each float has been given an allotment of beads and encouraged to bring extras. Something tells us you won't need more than a wave to earn your necklace at the freezing-weather, family friendly event.

The parade floats are being judged; first place wins $1,000 and second and third will win "merchandise prizes," which, given the sponsors, might well be a real pittance compared with the cash. Case of SoBe, anyone?

A free performance from Frogs Gone Fishin' will follow the parade at Check Point Charlie.