The Arts Council promised Mardi Gras Celebration attendees the good times would roll or, as they say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bons temps rouler”, and they certainly delivered on Feb. 9. The classic rock band Tricks was on top of their game. Singer Krystal Dutkiewicz, dressed for the occasion in hot pants and flowing pink wig, rocked the house along with husband Rick. The music was so good; some dancers, like Ginjah Knuth and husband Dan, never even sat down. Others took a breather now and then to visit the bar, where hard-working volunteers Kim Caines, Sue Bombardt and friend Cindy took care of everyone’s thirst. The Hurricane rum drinks were very popular. We need to send a big thank you to AAAC Secretary Cheryl Rozek and her family at the Mighty Midget on Western Avenue for assisting us with purchases for the bar.
Just about everyone got into the Mardi Gras spirit with a mask or some outrageous headgear – Bill Chaney in his rainbow-colored mohawk wig comes to mind – but some folks really went all out. Judith Gunther-Smalla took 3rd place and $100 cash in the costume contest as a sexy fortune teller while Dina-Ebeling Hestera (in spite of a frustrating costume entanglement) swirled into 2nd place along with nattily dressed husband Jon who collected their $150 prize money. First place and bills totaling $250 went to Jim & Marie Combs of Arnold St. in Allegan who went to great lengths to transform themselves into New Orleans street people. Thanks to everyone who dressed up. Your creativity truly added to the fun atmosphere. The Council is blessed to have secret sponsor Scott Taylor, who generously provided the $500 in prize money as incentive!
Special thanks to Scott & Karen Johnson who won $59 in the 50/50 raffle and donated it back to the AAAC. We appreciate your generosity.
And last, but not least, was the great food prepared by Tom and Linda Clark. The roast beef po’boys were messy, but yummy, and the gumbo overflowed with spicy Andouille (sausage), crab, shrimp and chicken. Tommy Sumner, dressed as a voodoo chief, warded off evil by baking up some delicious mini cornmeal muffins to add to the mix. All this was served up by tirelessly pleasant volunteers Ben Clark with friends Duane and Melissa who worked the kitchen the entire evening.
Thanks to everyone involved: Sue Buese, AAAC Treasurer, and husband Mike for watching the door; AAAC Vice Chair Diane Sumner for suggesting memberships and board member Joy Richmond for assembling the mask-making tables. The whole village got involved to get the good times rolling and the Arts Council was able to raise some funds because of your efforts – and that’s what it’s all about. Thank you all.
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