Reveler Bill Hartnett

While it is generally accepted that Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) was introduced to this continent in 1699 by French explorer Sieur d’ Iberville, Mardi Gras was brought just a few years ago to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish by the local Knights of Columbus Council.  This party is now recognized by many parishioners and friends as the place to be prior to Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, the forty days of prayer and fasting in preparation for the Triduum and Easter Sunday.

The Lower Hall of the church was jazzily decorated to resemble the festive New Orleans French Quarter, including the very authentic looking street lamps to welcome the 200 guests.  After some social time during which the costumed revelers strutted their stuff, they were served a garden salad and French bread followed by an entree of either Creole or jambalaya (some tried both).  There was delicious homemade king cake to complement the dinner.

The Blue Velvet band played a variety of music which kept the dance floor filled throughout the evening.   Since this event is the last major 2009-2010 fundraiser for the KC Council to support its many charities, there was a periodic dancing interlude to auction ten beautifully decorated umbrellas, many of which were made by knights and their spouses.  Those who purchased the umbrellas were automatically leaders of the next conga line dance snaki

King & Queen Terry and JoAnn O'Brien, Event Chairs

ng throughout the hall.

As the party concluded, last year’s King and Queen, Danny and Kathy Murphy, crowned Terry and JoAnn O’Brien as the new royalty, who also happened to be the chairs of this event with the very capable assistance of Wayne and Jan Winters.  In charge of the décor were Bill and Valerie Hartnett, aided by veteran hall decorators Milt Spaniel and Ron Cuba and a whole host of knights and spouses.   Since they have done so well in the past, two couples were asked to once again share their Cajun culinary expertise - Danny and Kathy Murphy prepared the Creole, and Ed and Mary Ann Miller cooked the jambalaya.  JoAnn and her gifted friends made the king cakes, and Dave Salmen led the kitchen crew.  Tom DeVito served as master of ceremonies, and he was assisted by Ed Miller who auctioned the umbrellas.

Many party participants have already flagged their calendars for next year’s Mardi Gras on March 9.  Thanks to all who made Mardi Gras 2010 an enjoyable and profitable success.

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