Mardi Gras event is March 7

Everyone is invited to experience Mardi Gras 2011 in Hastings — just upstream from New Orleans! Hastings French students are hosting a family-oriented Mardi Gras at the High School Student Commons from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 7. Food and fun with a French flair abound in a carnival atmosphere for all ages. This is the 20th Annual Mardi Gras party in Hastings and everyone is invited! Food offerings include ham and cheese croissants, a variety of dessert crepes, fresh fruit with chocolate fondue, pizza and chocolate mousse. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $12 with 12 food / beverage punches or $6 with 6 food / beverage punches. Game tickets are three for $1. The fish pond, football, golf and archery contests, face painting, mask and magic wand making, the flower shop, a jumping castle, balloon stomp, cupcake eating contest and Plinko are just some of the 30 games and crafts with a French twist. Use the doubloons you win to select your prizes. Meet the King and Queen of Mardi Gras handing out beads. Add to the festivities by coming in costume for the celebration, with Mardi Gras music playing for everyone’s listening pleasure. Mardi Gras beads, masks, hats and souvenirs direct from New Orleans can be purchased. Mardi Gras is an ever-growing, fun, affordable event for families and individuals. Coordinated by French teachers Brian and Sue Drummond, their 225 French students contribute to the success of this community event. Like last year, canned foods are collected for the Hastings Food Shelf. Bring a can and get a special necklace. Proceeds from Mardi Gras go toward a fund for college scholarships, the Trip to France fund, and classroom and extracurricular activities.

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