Mardi Gras came to New Orleans through its French heritage in 1699. This Friday, Mardi Gras will come to Tyrone when residents and staff at Colonial Courtyard hold their annual Mardi Gras party at the residence.
Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French and is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday as a last fling prior to the 40 days of Lent, which precede Easter. However, there are usually about two weeks of parades and celebrations leading up to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
This year’s Mardi Gras-themed party at Colonial Courtyard will be held Friday, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
“It’s a fun, festive celebration,” said Rose Long, a representative of Tyrone Colonial Courtyard. “It’s like New Orleans.”
Long explained there are usually four or five main events that are held throughout the year at the residence. The Mardi Gras party is always one of those events. The Mardi Gras party has been held each year for approximately the last five years.
Residents get to dressed up for the special occasion. They have hats and masks to wear and the place is decorated like a New Orleans Mardi Gras party. Family members are also invited to join in the celebration.
The party begins with social hour at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and there will be entertainment from 6 to 7 p.m.
This year’s entertainment will be provided by singer Randy Rutherford who will sing songs associated with the annual event in New Orleans to help give it a real Mardi Gras feel.
The menu is also geared toward reminding participants of Louisiana. Items served at the event include New Orleans gumbo with Louisiana goldfish, Bourbon Street Chicken, Delta shrimp, Bayou potatoes and glazed carrot coins.
Tyrone Colonial Courtyard will also host a Business After Hours event tomorrow night at 5:15 p.m., sponsored by the Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce.
Also, the annual Chamber dinner at the Elks will be held on April 28. For more information contact the Chamber at 684-0736.
