The Funk Zone gets ready to roll on Fat Tuesday

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Fat Tuesday has locals celebrating early here in Santa Barbara.

"I’m definitely looking toward to the jazz band and just the community coming together and being able to celebrate together," said customer Jessica Wellington of Fess Parker Funk Zone.

Managers at Fess Parker are getting ready to roll out a big Mardi Gras party tonight.

"For us we try to do events that bring together people. We have a wine called the big easy that we do every year and we’re going to be exposing that to all our folks that come in and pouring glasses of that," said manager Graham Hadidian of Fess Parker Funk Zone.

Fess Parker along with surrounding businesses are anticipating a full crowd.

"More like a rising tide lifting all ships so the more good quality food and entertainment we can have down here the better off we are to get more crowds down here to enjoy it," said Hadidian.

In addition to have some fun on Fat Tuesday, businesses at the Funk zone are hoping to boost their sales.

"We’re definitely hoping for a boost in our new clientele since we’re new anyone that walks through our doors we’re happy to have here so we’re hoping for some new people to come by," said owner Jeanna Bracchitta of Perkins Designs.

Perkins Designs just opened in August.

This will be the store’s first Mardi Gras experience.

"The Funk zone is such a great area to collaborate with other local businesses. We love Fess Parker downstairs. I know they’re having an event tonight that were very excited about," said Bracchitta.

Businesses are not expecting as many tourists for Fat Tuesday. 
But they are expecting more locals.

The Big Easy band performance will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Fess Parker Funk Zone.

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