By Dave Schwab | SDUN Reporter

Billed as the “street party of the decade,” Hillcrest Mardi Gras promises “a whimsical carnival honoring abandonment and merriment” on Fat Tuesday, March 8,

from 6 to 11 p.m.

This year marks its 10th anniversary, with the community fest on three blocks of University Avenue between First and Fourth avenues growing from small beginnings to become what it is today—a signature event.

“The first year it started in Urban Mo’s parking lot and now it’s over 2,000 people across four blocks on University with the street closed,” Chris Patrick said, one half of the marketing/PR team for Hillcrest Mardi Gras along with Lisa Weir of Hillcrest Business Association (HBA).

Patrick noted the decade-old Mardi Gras is distinctive befitting its host community’s style.

“Hillcrest is a safe haven where we celebrate diversity,” he said. “You can come as you are and celebrate.”

“It’s one of the strengths in this community, our ability to grow sustainably with the community,” Lisa Weir noted, marketing and communications program manager of HBA, the community’s Business Improvement District.

Hillcrest Mardi Gras is planned and executed each year by a Volunteer Committee including: Tom Abbas (Abbas Jenson & Cundari Certified Public Accountants) , Danny Becht (Volunteer), Stampp Corbin (San Diego LGBT Weekly), Shawn Dooley (Ascent Real Estate), Jay Jones (Rage Monthly), Benjamin Nicholls (HBA), Chris Patrick (Urban Mo’s), Russell Poncik (JRE | Media), Matt Ramon (Urban Mo’s), Chris Shaw (Urban Mo’s), Tootie (LIPS), and Weir (HBA).

“It’s a year-long process to secure sponsorships and come up with creative elements for the event,” said Weir about event planning. “It is such a staple in this community that planning is sort of always happening.”

Weir noted the event continues to grow in stature.

“It’s changed over time in size and magnitude,” she said. “We now have a grand stage so we’re able to have great lineups year-in and year-out with performing artists and bands, a drag queen, a huge dance tent and bigger-and-better, party-oriented features like confetti: It’s just a huge street party. The energy we’re able to throw off … it’s the best Mardi Gras party in San Diego.”

And unlike similar Fat Tuesday parties elsewhere around the U.S., Weir pointed out, “This event directly benefits the community.”

The “feast before the fast,” Mardi Gras is sponsored by the Greater San Diego Business Association (GSDBA), the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, through its Charitable Foundation which issues annual youth scholarships, and HBA, with all street party proceeds benefiting both groups.

This year with the help of DJ Kimberly S, event entertainment will include Wendy Ho, the girls from Lips, the Gogo Dancers and Paris Antoinette Queen.

Weir noted the event and the business community have “bonded” over the years accounting for Hillcrest-style Mardi Gras’ growing popularity and success.

“We now have a solidified relationship with the business community and are able to shut down the street along University year after year, which speaks to the relationship the HBA has with business,” she said.

Hillcrest Mardi Gras remains a 21-and-up age event. Food and other drink will be available for purchase from participating vendors and venues.

There will be plenty of party favors available including an unimaginable array of Mardi Gras beads.

Advance tickets costing $15 in advance ($20 day of) and $50 advance ($75 day of) for a V.I.P. pass including express entry, private reception area and private bathrooms are available at: Baja Betty’s at 1421 University Ave., Urban Mo’s at 308 University Ave., and Obelisk Bookstore at 1029 University Ave.

Patrons can also purchase tickets online at the website Hillcrestmardigras.org. Ticket purchases are tax-deductible. No refunds are offered on ticket purchases and the festival will take place rain or shine. Tickets are on sale now.

Hillcrest Mardi Gras is a nonprofit organization. Any proceeds the group makes from the event are donated to the beautification of Hillcrest through the HBA and to the Youth Scholarship Fund through the GSDBA.

For more information, visit Hillcrestmardigras.com.