Marvelous Mardi Gras Party

The Women's Club here at Savanna Club, our 55+ community, had a Mardi Gras party with about 200 ladies in attendance.  As with every event here, this was well planned with flair in every detail.

I wanted to know exactly what "Mardi Gras" meant.  I found that it refers  the Carnival celebrations, beginning after Epiphany and ending on the day before Ash Wednesday.  Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent that leads up to Easter. 

What is Mardi Gras?  "Eating a calf."
"Mardi Gras" literally means "Fat Tuesday" and comes from the tradition of eating a slaughtered calf on the final day of Carnival.  These days, though, that has expanded to feasting on most any rich fatty food.

MaryMay Angelil with her two new best buds, 
Bonnie McDonnell and Bobbie Steinberg

Masks and more masks - all so pretty, colorful and creative.

 

Francoise and her hubby.  Francoise gave the welcome in French.

Many different countries were represented by various ladies.  They were presented to the audience and escorted down the middle of the room in the spotlight.  

 

Many of the gals' outfits started with something from a thrift shop.  Then, Suzanne, our talented costume designer, created a way to make each outfit unique and elegant in the front and back.

After all the countries were presented, the queen and her court sat for the entertainment.  

The queen designed and made her own costume.

I just love the Tappettes, who are all residents of Savanna Club.  They may be old in years but not in their step!

The Tappettes presented a lively dance from Brazil.

The Tappettes' costumes for the dance from Tunesia were really pretty.

The President, Sylvia, goes over final details.

Even the dessert cakes were done up in Mardi Gras colors.

I'd say the women of Savanna Club know how to have fun, wouldn't you?