Mardi Gras madness: Crawfish boil coming to O’Conners in Springfield

Enthusiasm is boiling over as this Irish pub’s yearly Cajun transformation is coming.

O’Conners Irish Pub will celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras with its annual crawfish boil on Saturday, March 3. Participation is by pre-order only and tickets cost $20 each and will be available through Saturday, Feb. 24.

Tina Ramsey, co-owner of O’Conners with husband Joe, said this is one of the pub’s most anticipated specials.

“It’s a fun Saturday afternoon,” she said. “Our staff is fighting to work that day.”

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The tradition started several years ago when Joe, a Baton Rouge, La., native, wanted to share his love of crawfish with a few friends. That’s grown to about 150 friends who look forward to the rare treat.

He has the crawfish flown in overnight and will be watered down and boiled in Cajun seasoning outside the pub under tents the next day, which will welcome customers in.

“You can smell the spices as we cook them,” Joe Ramsey said. “It’s a delicacy you just can’t get up here.”

This is the prime time of the year for crawfish, which Tina Ramsey said some people find similar to shrimp. The meal will be complemented by corn on the cob, potatoes and sausage.

The crawfish meals will be ready at noon and continue through 3 p.m. only. No tickets will be sold that day and tickets must be presented at time of pickup.

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Not into crawfish? That’s OK, as the Mardi Gras theme will also offer beer specials such as Abita Brewing Company’s Purple Haze, which includes real raspberries.

Crawfish boil tickets will be available during O’Conners business hours and no walk-ins will be available on March 3.

The pub will also host events for St. Patrick’s Day in March and an ‘80s-themed adult prom in April.


WANT TO GO?

What: Crawfish boil

Where: O'Conners Irish Pub, 2200 N. Limestone St., Springfield

When: Saturday, March 3, noon to 3 p.m.

Admission: $20/ticket

More info: 937-717-6915 or www.facebook.com/OConners-Irish-Pub

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