Last Updated on 5/24/2013

Published on 2/21/2013

Murrells Inlet, S.C. — Beads and bucks were the order of the evening, Feb. 12, as hardy souls dodged raindrops but drank in the Marsh Walk’s third annual Marshi Gras.
“This was a chance to keep celebrating,” said Luis Poggi of Pawleys Island, who has been part of letting the good times roll from Mobile, Ala., for decades.
“I paraded with my father for the 75th year in Mobile,” he said. “I try to get back to Mobile for Mardi Gras, but if I can’t, I’ll celebrate where I am.”
And celebrate he did, passing out beads.
Poggi was wearing one of his favorite costumes, including an authentic mask and medals that he brought with him from Mobile, acknowledging his participation.
“I have to go back and get more [medals] for next year,” he said.
While Poggi knew what he was getting into when he came to the event, others weren’t quite so aware.
But Richard Brazee, Linda and William Smith and Tommy Sudduth were linked into the activities with a chain of balloons, bestowed on them by Annie, a stiltwalker with Over the Moon Productions.
She and her colleague, who performed fire swallowing and fire spinning, provided much of the entertainment.
No Marshi Walk would be complete without prizes, and the restaurants along the Marsh Walk did not disappoint.
Gift cards went to the best costumes.
Kirby Smith as Airship Pirate captured a $500 prize; Bill and Renee Swinimer as Pirate Skeleton on Stilts took home $300 for second place; Carrin Kemp as Le Bon Temps Bikini won $200 for third place; and Sean Smith as Marquis de Gras was given an honorable mention.
Of course, the Marsh Walk restaurants came out ahead, too. Dinner and drink specials lured a crowd to fill up tables on a Tuesday night.

By Anita Crone
For The Times