If you can’t make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this year, the Brookfield Bar Owners Association has the next best thing — a Mardi Gras celebration at all 12 bars in town.
Tom Kampschroeder, the owner of the Salt Creek Wine Bar said residents can hop on one of four trolleys that will be going through the village Saturday, Feb. 13, and get a free ride to their favorite bar.
“It’s an easy way to get around,” Kampschroeder said. “People can hop on a trolley, got to their local bar, hop on another trolley and go to the other bars, and head back home again without ever having to get in the car.”
The trolleys will make stops at all 12 bars in Brookfield throughout the evening.
Ellen Frantzen, the owner of Joe’s Saloon said the event gave the bar owners another chance to work together.
“We all get together and want to do things to bring people to town,” she said.
The association also holds a Bartober festival in October to celebrate Octoberfest, and Music Fest in the summer.
Chris DiBraccio, the manager of Brixie’s Saloon said Brookfield residents enjoyed the event last year and seemed excited about its return.
“It’s always a great event, and the bars are going to have live music,” DiBraccio said. “Our band is Coldwater Mystic. They’re a reggae/funk band, and we’re going to have another band called Mind’s Hideaway. For food, we’re planning on New Orleans things — jambalaya, an etouffee and po-boys.”
Frantzen said she will have two bands this year.
“I’ve got the Sugar Pushers, who are a duo, and a five-piece band called Yellowhammer,” Frantzen said. “I am opening up my party room, and the music will go until 1 a.m. — an hour after Mardi Gras ends.”
Kampschroeder said people can enjoy homemade jambalaya if they stop in at his bar.
“We’re preparing our own jambalaya this year,” he said.
“Other bars will have New Orleans style food, and every bar will have a band. Everybody will have beads. You’ve got to be 21 years old or older, but a good time will be had by all. I think people just appreciate a chance to have fun in the dead of winter.”
If you go
WHAT Brookfield Mardi Gras celebration
WHEN 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Feb. 13
WHERE All 12 bars in Brookfield are participating
FOR MORE INFO Visit network23online.com/barsofbrookfield
Participating bars
Blue Water Lounge, 9016 W. 31st St.
Ryan’s Public House, 8942 Ogden Ave.
Ricky D’s Off Broadway Pub, 9048 Monroe Ave.
The Cordial Inn, 9207 W. 31st St.
Irish Times Pub and Restaurant, 8869 Burlington Ave.
Johnny B’s Bar and Grill, 8436 Brookfield Ave.
Salt Creek Wine Bar, 8900 Fairview Ave.
Joe’s Saloon, 9220 W. 47th St.
Cheers Sports Bar and Grill, 8901 Burlington Ave.
Brixie’s Saloon, 9526 Ogden Ave.
Slager’s on 47th, 9308 W. 47th St.
Brookfield Bowl, 3415 Maple Ave.
