When it comes to Mardi Gras, Deadwood is hitting the radars of more and more revelers each year. The historic town’s Mardi Gras celebration is Feb. 5-6 this year, and festivities include themed parades on Main Street, coronation of Mardi Gras Royalty, a Cajun cooking contest, a cake-decorating contest and two nights of top-notch Zydeco music. Thousands of Mardi Gras fans converge in Deadwood to take part in the free festivities.

Events kick off on Friday, Feb. 5, with the People’s Parade at 7 p.m. This parade, complete with floats, costumes and beads, is for both spectators and participants because anyone can take part. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. The parade route starts at the lower Main Street parking lot and ends at the Silverado-Franklin Historic Hotel & Gaming Complex block.

The costume contest and the coronation of the 2010 Mardi Gras King and Queen will be held at the Lucky Nugget Gambling Hall after the parade. After the contest and coronation, Louisiana-born Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble will play their Zydeco music at the Lucky Nugget.

Saturday’s Mardi Gras events include the Cajun Cook-Off, which starts 2 p.m. at various area businesses. Anyone with a love of food with a little spice and Southern flavor is encouraged to stop by for a public tasting until 4 p.m.

Those with more of a sweet tooth could venture to the Lucky Nugget to witness the annual Mardi Gras Cake Decorating Contest, which runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. And after Saturday’s parade, the cakes will be served to the public.

On Saturday evening at 7 p.m., thousands of spectators will line Deadwood’s Main Street for the annual Mardi Gras Parade of Lights. The 2010 King and Queen will be there, along with floats created by local groups and businesses. Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble will again play at the Lucky Nugget after the parade.

There’s no charge to attend any of Deadwood’s Mardi Gras festivities.

“Without a doubt Mardi Gras has fast become one of the can’t-miss winter events in the Black Hills. The event keeps growing and includes festivities for everyone,” said George Milos, Deadwood Chamber of Commerce executive director. “Deadwood-area businesses and residents gear up for the event and play a huge role in breaking any cabin fever blues that may have set in.”