Jan. 25, 2002 – When is Tuesday not on Tuesday, and cause for celebration at that? On Saturday, Feb. 2.
That's when the Capital Development Committee of All Saints Cathedral School is hosting its first Mardi Gras party, at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort.
Mardi Gras, which means "Fat Tuesday," is, of course, the traditional finale of several days of revelry that precede the start of the somber Christian observance Lent each year. New Orleans is the site of the most famous annual Mardi Gras celebrations — which run concurrent with Rio de Janeiro's famed Carnaval.
The "real" Mardi Gras falls on Feb. 12 this year, but the All Saints fund raisers are getting a jump on things by holding a Virgin Islands-style version 10 days ahead of time. One of the big attractions, according to committee chair Catherine Mills, will be a New Orleans-style buffet featuring boiled crawfish, oysters on the half shell, blue crab gumbo with Andouille sausage, dirty rice with ham hocks, and pecan-roasted leg of lamb.
"And, of course, King Cake," Mills notes. "He/she who gets the doll in the cake gets to be the king or queen who leads the Midnight Madness Parade."
It's not required, but is certainly encouraged that participants wear costumes and/or masks, with prizes to be awarded for the best of each. However, for those who don't don such get-ups, there will be complimentary masks and beggars' beads as party favors. The evening also will feature music by Imagination Brass and a silent auction for a cruise trip, dinners, art and more.
Tickets are $100, with proceeds to go toward the All Saints Cathedral School building fund. They may be obtained at the school office, Draughting Shaft, Nisky Pharmacy, Petite Pump Room and Silk Greenery, as well as from committee members. Or call 776-1014, the Law Office of Robert King, for delivery.
The festivities begins at 7 p.m. and are scheduled to last until 1 a.m. "Come and have fun at the best party of the year," Mills says. We promise, no speeches!"
