Concrete delivers a taste of New Orleans Feb. 20
By Vicki Dinkins
(posted 2.10.10)

Who says Mardi Gras is only a Southern celebration? For a third year, Mardi Gras will arrive in Concrete on Feb. 20. The fun starts at noon with a colorful parade on Main Street.

Individuals, groups, and businesses are invited to be part of the parade, with check-in and line-up near the Post Office at 11 a.m. Parade entry forms are available at the Chamber office in the Skagit County Resource Center, and online at www.concrete-wa.com. 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 to 3 p.m., and playing the New Orleans-based Disney film, “The Princess and the Frog,” at 5 and 7:30 p.m. General admission is $6, with a $1 discount for seniors and kids age 12 and under.

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 will conduct 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 will collect 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, call 360.853.8767 or e-mail [email protected].