As Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans and around the South head into the final stretch to Fat Tuesday March 8, a group of revelers in the Golden Triangle are bringing the celebrations home.
The third annual Mardi Gras Mambo invites adults 21 and over to join a costumed procession through downtown Columbus the evening of Saturday, March 5. Participants will gather at J. Broussard”s at 210 Fifth St. S. at 6:30 p.m. and depart at 7 p.m. to visit other nearby establishments.
“This is our third year staging this event, along with the Ghostly Gallivant in October, and it gets better every time,” said organizer Chris Hannon. “I”m not sure who enjoys it more, the participants or the people we encounter during the evening.”
The season of Mardi Gras annually culminates on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season.
The Mardi Gras Mambo is coordinated by the Kudzu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, an organization recently organized by Hannon, and his wife, Adele Elliott, to serve as a vehicle for planning this and other social events throughout the year.
“It will also provide some structure for some community service activities we plan on pursuing,” said Hannon of the club modeled after similar organizations in his native New Orleans. Traditionally, these groups coordinate Carnival parades, charitable activities and the Second Lines New Orleans is famous for.
Costumes are required for Saturday”s Mardi Gras Mambo. There is no fee to participate. Beverage purchases are up to the individual, Hannon said.
“Turnout for these events has ranged from 30 to 60,” he added. “Not only do the participants enjoy themselves, but the regular guests at the restaurants/bars we visit get a kick out of seeing all the funny costumes.”
For more information about Mardi Gras Mambo or to RSVP, or to learn more about the Kudzu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, go to bigtent.com/groups/kudzusapc, or contact Hannon at 662-368-8181.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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