Mardi Gras
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Articles about Mardi Gras
PLACE: CYO Center,
53 Federal Street,Woonsocket, RI
BANDS: Featuring Corey
Ledet and his Zydeco Band from Louisiana
and Slippery
Sneakers
BUFFET CATERED BY: Fine
Catering by Russell Morin
EMCEE: WNRI's Jeff Gamache
King Jace contest
sponsored by Dave Richards of WOON
Radio
Photo Gallery
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MENU
Fine Catering by Russell Morin
Mixed Green Salad with Louisiana
French Mustard Vinaigrette
Crusty French Bread and Whipped Butter
Bayou Meat Pie
Chicken Big Mamou on Pasta
(sauce with peppers, onions, okra)
Tasso and Andouille Jambalaya
(Louisiana ham and sausage served with rice)
Corn Maque Choux
(corn,onion,bell pepper, tomato sauce)
New Orleans Bread Pudding with
Lemon Sauce and Chantilly Cream
French Roast Coffee
Mardi Gras Children's Celebration
Saturday, February 2, 2008, Doors open at 1:15 pm
Stadium
Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Main Street Woonsocket,
RI (Directions)
Costume parade and Costume Contest
Contestants must
arive by 1:30 pm
Prizes will be awarded for Best Costume and Most Original Costume
Mardi Gras Souvenirs for Everyone
Includes a screening
of Shrek
the Third at 2 pm
Sponsored by USJB Catholic Family Life Insurance, Chapter
Martel No. 2
Articles
February 7, 2008 • Untitled
photo and caption, The
Valley Breeze
February 3, 2008 • City's
Mardi Gras revelers dance the night away by
Danielle Brissette, The Call (Woonsocket)
January 24, 2008 • Mardi Gras menu
inspired by Louisiana cuisine, The Call (.pdf)
Our Sponsors
King's Court ($1000+)
Rhode Island
State Council on the Arts
City of Woonsocket
Cayer Caccia LLP
Princess's Court ($100+)
The Valley Breeze
Milford Federal
Roxanne L. Menard
Phyllis Thomas
A SHORT HISTORY OF MARDI GRAS
Many of the traditions of Mardi Gras have their roots in a Roman
festival called the Saturnalia which celebrated the end of
winter and the coming of spring. Over time, and with the spread
of Christianity, the festival became a final binge of feasting
and self-indulgence before the sacrifice of Lent. In 17th century
Paris, the celebration came to be known as Mardi Gras, or Fat
Tuesday – a way for Christians to fatten up before the
long Lenten season.
French settlers brought their traditions to Louisiana in 1766.
By 1857, New Orleans began to develop its own traditions of
masked balls, organized parades, and “throws” (favors
such as beads, doubloons, and cups thrown from parade floats).
In 1872, the King of Mardi Gras selected the celebration’s
official colors of purple, green, and gold. The colors’ meanings
were defined as justice (purple), faith (green), and power
(gold) in 1892.
In 1954, the Mardi Gras tradition was started in Woonsocket by
the Junior Chamber of Commerce. The four days of festivities
earned the celebration the title of “Mardi Gras of the
North.” The Jaycees’ involvement in Mardi Gras
gave our king his name – King Jace.
Since 1995, the NRICA and the Mardi Gras Committee, with the invaluable help of our sponsors, have worked hard to bring the authentic feel and the fun of a traditional Mardi Gras celebration to Woonsocket.