By Sean P. Ray | Managing Editor

DEUTSCHTOWN — A hallmark of the Allegheny Elks’ annual Mardi Gras party is the crowning of a Mardi Gras King or Queen. This year took a different turn as the crowned royalty was not human, but a pierogi.

Jalapeno Hanñah, one of the contestants at the Great Pierogi Race run at Pittsburgh Pirates games, was crowned during the Mardi Gras party on March 4. Described as a “feminist icon” during the ceremony, Hanñah is the first non-human to earn the crown from the Allegheny Elks.

The Great Pierogi Race is run after the fifth inning of Pittsburgh Pirate games at PNC Park. Hanñah is one of six pierogies who participate, along with Sauerkraut Saul, Cheese Chester, Bacon Burt, Potato Pete and the highly intelligent Oliver Onion.

The Elks’ Mardi Gras party traditionally draws people from across Pittsburgh to attend, and this year was no different. The event sold out and the lodge was packed as visitors enjoyed drinks and traditional Mardi Gras food, including king cake.

Brian Hu is a Southsider who was attending the event for the first time. Hu said he was “looking for something to do” on Mardi Gras Tuesday and found the Elks’ party to be a perfect fit.

“It’s a lively crowd,” he said. “I’m sure events like these are great for the connectedness of the neighborhood.”

Karen Barker of Summer Hill, meanwhile, has been attending for years, and 2025 was no different. Barker said she has attended Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and feels that the Elks’ event is “true” to that celebration.

Before entering the party, attendees were treated to some music by the Eagleburger Band, who performed outside near the front steps of the lodge. John Rubin, a trumpet player with the band, spoke fondly of the event.

“This party is top level,” he said, “I would say for energy and enthusiasm.” TC Weinlandt, president of the Allegheny Elks, called the Elks’ party a “much healthier alternative” to the New Orleans Mardi Gras, which he has attended. A perennial sell-out occasion, he said the celebration is one of the Elks’ biggest events of the year.

As to his personal favorite part, Weinlandt said he most enjoys the band performances, as well as the food. In that latter category, he said beignet is his favorite, which is a kind of deep-fried pastry.

The Allegheny Elks hold their Mardi Gras party every year, typically beginning around 7:30 p.m. The lodge is located at 400 Cedar Ave.