Mark your calendars because Tuesday, Feb. 20, is Fat Tuesday, and that means it’s time to dig up your beads and get ready for the sixth annual Hillcrest Mardi Gras celebration. Hillcrest Mardi Gras has been growing since its inception, and this year promises to be the best ever.

The roots of Mardi Gras stem from the tradition of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday. Lent consists of the 40 days and 40 nights (excluding Sundays) before Easter. Traditionally during Lent, people fast or give up something important to them. Common things to give up during Lent include alcohol, chocolate or something more abstract like swearing. With Lent around the corner, many see Fat Tuesday as an opportunity for one last splurge of whatever they’re giving up.

One of the biggest and well-known Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States takes place in New Orleans. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, many doubted whether the city could bounce back and put on another Mardi Gras, but the parades and parties went on despite the city’s continual suffering from the devastation of the hurricane.

Locally, Hillcrest Mardi Gras isn’t quite on the same level as the one in New Orleans, but it’s definitely the place to be for GLBT San Diegans on Fat Tuesday. The street party takes place on University Avenue between First and Fourth streets, in front of Urban Mo’s, and there will be plenty of food, drink and beads for everyone. The street party is enclosed and staff will be checking IDs at the door, so celebrants will be able to carry their drinks with them as they try to earn beads.

Beads are a big part of what makes Mardi Gras fun. The goal is to earn as many beads as possible while making other people work to earn any of your own beads. There will be plenty of beads thrown out to the crowd, but it’s important to remember that not all beads are created equal – you may have to work harder to earn the beads with the flashing lights or the naughty look. You can make someone earn beads by giving you a kiss, exposing themselves, letting you cop a feel or whatever else you can legally negotiate.

This year’s Hillcrest Mardi Gras will feature plenty of entertainment. As usual, Tootie & the Lips Girls will be dazzling us with another special performance this year. These girls put on a wonderful show every year that is not to be missed.

Special guests include Pepper MaShay, Candye Kane and DJs Corey D and Taj. Tickets for the event are $15 in advance or $20 the day of the event. VIP tickets can be purchased for $50 in advance or $75 the day of the event. Speaking as someone who’s had VIP tickets the last couple of years, let me say that they’re totally worth it. VIP tickets will get you into the VIP tent where they will be giving away delicious free food and free beer and wine. That’s right, I said free beer and wine in the VIP tent.

While you’re partying and doing whatever you need to do to earn your beads, keep in mind that while you’re getting tipsy, you’re also helping raise money for charity. The proceeds from Hillcrest Mardi Gras go to the GSDBA Charitable Foundation and the Hillcrest Association. The GSDBA Charitable Foundation will use the proceeds to fund its youth scholarship program, and the Hillcrest Association uses their share of the proceeds to help improve the neighborhood.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.gsdbafoundation.com/events.htm or in person at Obelisk Bookstore. Get your tickets early because last year’s event sold out. VIP tickets are limited to 300 and sell out early. The event opens at 6:00 and runs until 11:00 p.m. Last call is at 10:30 p.m. It’s a 21-and-over venue, so don’t forget your identification.

Keep in mind that parking is at a premium in downtown Hillcrest, especially during big event, so think about taking a taxi bus or arrange to carpool with a designated driver. Also, don’t forget that we’ve had a string of muggings and robberies in the neighborhood, so as you leave, stay in groups and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Bourbon Street will be hosting the “Seven Days of Decadence” in the week leading up to the big day, complete with wet underwear contests and plenty of beads every night at 10:00 p.m. The week culminates with their Fat Tuesday party.

Friday, Feb. 16, Top of the Park will throw a beads party at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 17, Martinis Above Fourth will feature beads, shot boys, prizes and live entertainment at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 18, Urban Mo’s will have bead and ticket giveaways starting at 6:00 p.m. and Lips will have the King and Queen Contest finals.

Tuesday, Feb. 20, Baja Betty’s will host the Pre-Mardi Gras happy hour and crown the King and Queen of Mardi Gras from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.