We are pleased to announce that for the third year, Mardi Gras comes to Concrete on February 20. The fun starts at noon with a colorful parade on Main Street. Individuals, groups and businesses are all invited to be part of the parade, with check-in and line-up near the Post Office at 11:00 a.m.

Parade entry forms are available at the Chamber office in the Skagit County Resource Center.  A small entry fee is required; parade participants of all kinds, ages, shapes and sizes are welcome. The only rule is that each entry includes the official Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold. The parade will be held regardless of weather.

 

Other activities include a New Orleans Cake Walk immediately following the parade at the Skagit County Resource Center, with proceeds going to the Concrete Heritage Museum, and a Recycled Art Contest, the winners of which will be on display at Matty’s on Main.

 

The newly reopened Concrete Theatre will get in the Mardi Gras spirit by offering tours of the historic building from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and playing the New Orleans-based Disney film, The Princess and the Frog at 5:00 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $6, with discounts for elders and kids.

 

In addition to the zaniness, the Mardi Gras celebration also focuses on those in need. In the past, donations have been collected for cancer patients at United General Hospital. This year we are conducting a shoe drive for the earthquake victims in Haiti. The drive was begun in honor of Mollie Hightower, a Port Orchard missionary killed during the earthquake, and is being coordinated by Q13 Fox News in Seattle.

 

Up to and during the Mardi Gras event, we are collecting new or gently used shoes, sandals, and flip-flops. Please bring your donations to the Skagit County Resource Center on Main Street, or call Vicki Dinkins at (360) 853-8767 for details.

 

Mardi Gras 2010 is sponsored by the Concrete Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please call (360) 853-8767, or send email to chamber@concrete-wa.com.