Mardi Gras time is a big deal down here in Lower Alabama with multiple parades and celebrations in every hamlet, village, town, and/or city. Rainbow Plantation is no exception with our Mardi Gras festivities kicking off last night at the clubhouse.
We began the evening with a spaghetti dinner and almost two hundred Escapees in attendance. After the meal, the King Cakes (cup cakes in our case) were distributed. The king and queen are chosen at random by whoever gets the cake with the baby inside (we use miniature plastic babies, not real ones).
Once identified, King Stan and Queen Judy were lead away to be outfitted in fine robes and jewelry befitting such royalty. While they were being outfitted, the Master of Ceremonies, one Terry Guiler, presented us with some background history of Mardi Gras. (Photo Stolen From Terry’s Blog)
Followed by the Chenilles leading us in some of their shenanigans.
Once properly attired, the coronation of King Stan and Queen Judy began with them being sworn in by the Commissioner of the Rainbow Plantation Mardi Gras Celebration, Ray Bliven (AKA Mr. Purple) before receiving their crowns.
The music began with King Stan and Queen Judy leading the procession around the clubhouse.
“Oh when the saints go marching in
When the saints go marching in
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in”
The evening ended with music and dance by the band Chi-Lou. Just looking around and watching the events of the evening unfold, it’s hard to believe that these are really adults. Yep, we keenagers are into having fun and lots of it.
The next four days will be filled with revelry and merriment in the Royal Kingdom of Rainbow Plantation as the fun continues straight through until Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). Then it will end with Ash Wednesday and forty days of fasting until Resurrection Sunday (Easter).
Happy Mardi Gras, All Y’all. Until Next Time - - - - - -
OH-What FUN! I so remember the times we had (being raised just south of New Orleans)as a child. Now I have a question for you, Darrell, How are you guys going to handle the fasting...........I mean, you are like us Baptist, everytime two or more of you get together there is food and yes more food...........Might have to just choose only one item to fast or something.....LOL
ReplyDeleteNever been to any kind of a Mardi Gras celebration but I have to admit, looks like you are having a good time! Enjoy the rest of the holiday.
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