(Doors open at 5 pm, Dinner served from 6-8 pm, Cash Bar)
SOLD OUT!
Live music by
Jeff Gamache and Runaway Train
(Country)
and
The Squeezebox Stompers
(Zydeco, Blues & Soul, Cajun Waltzes)
Emceed by Jeff Gamache
FULL CAJUN BUFFET
MENU
Mixed Greens Melange with Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Olives, Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Artisan Breads & Whipped Butter
French Meat Pie
New Orleans Creole Chicken & Sausage over Pasta
Cajun Shrimp and Rice
Maple and Bacon Green Beans
Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Mardi Gras Cake
Coffee Station
MARDI GRAS QUEEN'S CORONATION
AND THE UNMASKING OF KING JACE
Friday, February 15, 2019 from 6-8 pm
at Savini's Pomodoro
476 Rathbun Street, Woonsocket, RI
Our Queen Contestants sold
raffle tickets
to benefit this year's Mardi Gras Raffle
King Jace contest
sponsored by Dave Richards of WOON
Radio
Clues to King Jace XXV's Identity
1. Favorite color is royal blue.
2. Loves chicken, hates veggies.
3. If it were up to him, he'd eat all outdoors.
4. Like a farmer, spring and fall are his busy seasons.
5. His lucky numbers are 0, 1, and 8.
6. Not a snow bird, but heads south whenever he can.
7. Not afraid of controversy.
8. His orbit intersects many business circles.
9. Offices are not unfamiliar to him.
10. You've seen his name displayed in a public area.
The Mysterious Monarch Sighted in the City
And King Jace XXV is Garrett Mancieri
Queen Ann Jalette Unmasks King Garrett Mancieri
Mardi Gras Queen Contestants 
2019 Mardi Gras Queen
Ann Jalette
Ann Jalette is a lifelong Cumberland resident. Ann managed her family's business, Craft Corner, from 1985 to 2010 and is currently a manager at Vose True Value Hardware. Ann has been active within the area for a long time, as a CCD teacher at St. Joan of Arc Church, as a member of Cumberland Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), as a volunteer at St. Ann's Art & Cultural Center, and as a founding member Blackstone Valley Independent Business Alliance. Ann was on the organizing committee of The Blackstone Valley's Tribute to the Greatest Generation and assisted in the northern Rhode Island "Wall of Hope" project at the Museum of Work and Culture. At Cumberland Hill School, she assisted with the drama program and the "Heroes in History" book which paired World War II veterans with 5th grade students. With several area elementary schools and scout groups, she assisted with raising over $5,000 for relief efforts for 9/11 victims. An award-winning holiday display designer, Ann is the artistic director of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council’s “Polar Express.” She has three grown sons and a daughter-in-law and is the daughter of Sally and Walter Chomka. She loves gardening and spending time with her family. Ann has been impressed by the wonderful work of the Northern R.I. Council of the Arts and would like to help in this fundraising effort.
Nancy Sylvestre is a busy woman with a farm, which is a home to goats, chickens, and dogs. Nancy enjoys crafts and crocheting and spending time with her family. She became interested in Mardi Gras when she helped support her daughter Nicole Riendeau’s successful run for Queen of the Mardi Gras in 2017.
2019 Mardi Gras Princess
2019 Mardi Gras Princess
Geraldine Barclay-King is the owner of Leave it to Geri Event Planning Service and works at the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center, Events; previously, she was the
Director of Development and Programs for the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. She is very active in the community for such organizations as the Downtown Woonsocket Collaboration (Board Member), Connecting for Children and Families (Board Member), Neighborworks Blackstone River Valley (Past Board Member), L.A.S.T. Ladies All Socializing Together (A networking group that empowers women to regain their sense of self) and Table 19 (A fun group of friends who bring life & laughter to each other).
A graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a degree in Hospitality Management/Travel & Tourism, she has traveled to many countries and around the United States. Born in Liberia, she has 2 brothers and is the mother of four children ranging in age from 5 to 27 years old (2 girls, 2 boys). A woman of varied interests, Geri loves spending time with her family, planning and hosting events, gardening, music, and dancing. As a Blackstone Valley resident, she believes there is no better way to serve and support her community than by giving back in any capacity. Given the opportunity as Mardi Gras Queen, she would use this platform to promote the importance of arts, culture and community pride.
Ellen Cloutier is participating in the contest for a third year. She is a resident of Woonsocket and is a published poet. She enjoys reading, writing, hiking, and softball and would like to become more involved in the community. Her grandmother, Jeanne Cloutier encouraged her to participate.
Amanda Girard has been involved with the Mardi Gras for several years as a contestant. She is a resident of Woonsocket and is involved with the CCRI Theatre, the Stadium Theatre and Alive. Amanda enjoys theater, arts, reading, and crafts. She loves helping others, making a difference, and being a part of something big. She thanks her mother for her constant support and the rest of her family, who she loves very much.
QUEEN CONTEST RAFFLE PRIZES
1st prize $500 cash
2nd prize $300 gift card Mohegan Sun
3rd prize $100 Visa card
4th prize $50 gift card River Falls
BEST COSTUME CONTEST
One $100 Prize and Two $50 prizes!
50/50 SPLIT THE POT
Mardi Gras in the News
Five compete for title of 2019 Mardi Gras Queen, January 16, 2019, The Valley Breeze.
Lauren Clem. Royalty has nothing on her. January 23, 2019, The Valley Breeze.
Joseph Fitzberald. Tickets are on sale for city’s trademark Mardi Gras gala. January 23, 2019, The Woonsocket Call.
Previous Kings & Queens
(click on links to see Mardi Gras page from that year)
1954 •
Pauline (Nadeau) Miller
1955 •
Maureen (Mazzarella) Kennedy
1956 •
Beverly (DiCesare) Russell
1957 •
Pauline (Gagnon) Riendeau
1958 •
Rita (Laliberte) Nadeau
1959 •
Claire (Paul) Lafrance
1988 •
Michelle (Lefort) Wheeler
Owen Bebeau
•1995 •
Gloria Jean Roy
Roger Nault
• 1996 •
Paula Rezendes
Al Auclair
• 1997 •
Roxanne Menard
Leo Fontaine
• 1998 •
Dianna Glassey
Roger Jalette
• 1999 •
Donna Gallant
Ken Bianchi
• 2000 •
Nancy (Melvin) Beauregard
Noel Pincince
• 2001 •
Suzanne Beaulieu
Dave Richards
• 2002 •
Lorraine Jacob
Roger Petit
• 2003 •
Stacey (McCutcheon) Fitzsimmons
Roger Bouchard
• 2004 •
Roberta Baillargeon
Tom Ward
• 2005 •
Joyce LaPerle
Brian Blais
• 2006 •
Lorraine Guilbault
Marcel Desroches
• 2007 •
Nancy Phillips
• 2008 •
• 2009 •
• 2010 •
• 2011 •
• 2012 •
• 2013 •
Bob Phillips
• 2014 •
Sheylon Lawson
Paul Shatraw
• 2015 •
Tracey Parenteau
Edward Hunt
• 2016 •
Tammy Lamberto Roy
Joe Nadeau
• 2017 •
Nicole Riendeau
Bob Billington
• 2018 •
Joyce LaPerle
The king and his court 2018 -- Kim Blais, King Bob Billington and Queen Joyce LaPerle, and Tammy Irwin.
Photo by Judith Potter
Sponsors
(click on logo or link to visit our sponsors' websites)
American French Genealogical Society | 78 Earle Street,
Woonsocket, RI
Athena's Home Novelties
640 Winter Street | Woonsocket, RI
John Boucher Real Estate Property Management, Inc.
600 Cass Avenue | Woonsocket, RI
68 Cumberland Street | Suite 202 | Woonsocket, RI | (401) 765-8880
Cercle Laurier
165 East School Street | Woonsocket, RI
Club Lafayette
289 Aylsworth Avenue | Woonsocket, RI
10 Nate Whipple Highway | Cumberland, RI
Marc A. Cote
Boucher & Company
Commercial Property Specialist
Woonsocket, RI
Garrett Mancieri, Executive Director
389 Old River Road, Manville, RI
Manville Sportsmen's Rod and Gun Club
250 High Street | Manville, RI
Milford Federal Savings & Loan
246 Main Street | Milford, MA
1005 Douglas Pike | Smithfield, RI 02917
281 Harris Avenue |
Woonsocket, RI
Quota International of Woonsocket
Shaw's Meats
801 Social Street | Woonsocket, RI
2 Southwick Street | Mendon, MA
St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center
Vose True Value Hardware
849 Cumberland Hill Road | Woonsocket, RI
Gifts and Gift Certificates
Bileau's Flowers | 665 Diamond Hill Road | Woonsocket RI
with locations in Rhode Island (South Kingstown, West Warwick),
Massachusetts (Braintree, Hyannis, South Attleboro, Swansea)
Sharon Charette
North Smithfield, RI
The Lambrou Family
2360 Mendon Road | Cumberland, RI 02864-3708 | (401) 658-2626
Gift Certificate for 
2378 Mendon Road | Cumberland, RI
Excel Beauty Salon (Sue Beaulieu, Mardi Gras Queen 2001)
273 Social Street | Woonsocket, RI
Marlene Gagnon
North Smithfield, RI
Joan Gahan
Woonsocket, RI
Clara Holding
"Life's Little Extras"
Narragansett, RI
6 Winthrop Street & 1300 Park Avenue | Woonsocket, RI |
(401) 597-6885
Image Makers Beauty Salon
37 Main Street, Albion, RI
801 Clinton Street | Woonsocket, RI
42 South Main Street | Woonsocket, RI
Carolyn Picchiotti Smith
Cumberland, RI
1500 Diamond Hill Road | Woonsocket, RI
Nicole Riendeau, Mardi Gras Queen 2017
St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center
Stadium Theatre
28 Monument Square | Woonsocket, RI
Sue Tessier MacKenzie,
Seasonal Sweets
289 Summer Street | Woonsocket, RI
Timeless Antiques & Collectibles
91 Main Street | Woonsocket, RI
42 South Main Street,
Garden Level Around Back |
Woonsocket, RI
200 Woonsocket Hill Road | North Smithfield, RI
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.
Live music by
Jeff Gamache and Runaway Train
(Country)
and
The Squeezebox Stompers
(Zydeco, Blues & Soul, Cajun Waltzes)
Emceed by Jeff Gamache
FULL CAJUN BUFFET
MENU
Mixed Greens Melange with Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Olives, Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Artisan Breads & Whipped Butter
French Meat Pie
New Orleans Creole Chicken & Sausage over Pasta
Cajun Shrimp and Rice
Maple and Bacon Green Beans
Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Mardi Gras Cake
Coffee Station
MARDI GRAS QUEEN'S CORONATION
AND THE UNMASKING OF KING JACE
Friday, February 15, 2019 from 6-8 pm
at Savini's Pomodoro
476 Rathbun Street, Woonsocket, RI
Our Queen Contestants sold
raffle tickets
to benefit this year's Mardi Gras Raffle
King Jace contest
sponsored by Dave Richards of WOON
Radio
Clues to King Jace XXV's Identity
1. Favorite color is royal blue.
2. Loves chicken, hates veggies.
3. If it were up to him, he'd eat all outdoors.
4. Like a farmer, spring and fall are his busy seasons.
5. His lucky numbers are 0, 1, and 8.
6. Not a snow bird, but heads south whenever he can.
7. Not afraid of controversy.
8. His orbit intersects many business circles.
9. Offices are not unfamiliar to him.
10. You've seen his name displayed in a public area.
The Mysterious Monarch Sighted in the City
And King Jace XXV is Garrett Mancieri
|
Queen Ann Jalette Unmasks King Garrett Mancieri |
|
|
2019 Mardi Gras QueenAnn Jalette
|
Ann Jalette is a lifelong Cumberland resident. Ann managed her family's business, Craft Corner, from 1985 to 2010 and is currently a manager at Vose True Value Hardware. Ann has been active within the area for a long time, as a CCD teacher at St. Joan of Arc Church, as a member of Cumberland Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), as a volunteer at St. Ann's Art & Cultural Center, and as a founding member Blackstone Valley Independent Business Alliance. Ann was on the organizing committee of The Blackstone Valley's Tribute to the Greatest Generation and assisted in the northern Rhode Island "Wall of Hope" project at the Museum of Work and Culture. At Cumberland Hill School, she assisted with the drama program and the "Heroes in History" book which paired World War II veterans with 5th grade students. With several area elementary schools and scout groups, she assisted with raising over $5,000 for relief efforts for 9/11 victims. An award-winning holiday display designer, Ann is the artistic director of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council’s “Polar Express.” She has three grown sons and a daughter-in-law and is the daughter of Sally and Walter Chomka. She loves gardening and spending time with her family. Ann has been impressed by the wonderful work of the Northern R.I. Council of the Arts and would like to help in this fundraising effort. |
| Nancy Sylvestre is a busy woman with a farm, which is a home to goats, chickens, and dogs. Nancy enjoys crafts and crocheting and spending time with her family. She became interested in Mardi Gras when she helped support her daughter Nicole Riendeau’s successful run for Queen of the Mardi Gras in 2017. | 2019 Mardi Gras Princess |
|
Geraldine Barclay-King is the owner of Leave it to Geri Event Planning Service and works at the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center, Events; previously, she was the Director of Development and Programs for the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. She is very active in the community for such organizations as the Downtown Woonsocket Collaboration (Board Member), Connecting for Children and Families (Board Member), Neighborworks Blackstone River Valley (Past Board Member), L.A.S.T. Ladies All Socializing Together (A networking group that empowers women to regain their sense of self) and Table 19 (A fun group of friends who bring life & laughter to each other). A graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a degree in Hospitality Management/Travel & Tourism, she has traveled to many countries and around the United States. Born in Liberia, she has 2 brothers and is the mother of four children ranging in age from 5 to 27 years old (2 girls, 2 boys). A woman of varied interests, Geri loves spending time with her family, planning and hosting events, gardening, music, and dancing. As a Blackstone Valley resident, she believes there is no better way to serve and support her community than by giving back in any capacity. Given the opportunity as Mardi Gras Queen, she would use this platform to promote the importance of arts, culture and community pride. |
|
|
|
Ellen Cloutier is participating in the contest for a third year. She is a resident of Woonsocket and is a published poet. She enjoys reading, writing, hiking, and softball and would like to become more involved in the community. Her grandmother, Jeanne Cloutier encouraged her to participate. |
| Amanda Girard has been involved with the Mardi Gras for several years as a contestant. She is a resident of Woonsocket and is involved with the CCRI Theatre, the Stadium Theatre and Alive. Amanda enjoys theater, arts, reading, and crafts. She loves helping others, making a difference, and being a part of something big. She thanks her mother for her constant support and the rest of her family, who she loves very much. | |
QUEEN CONTEST RAFFLE PRIZES
1st prize $500 cash
2nd prize $300 gift card Mohegan Sun
3rd prize $100 Visa card
4th prize $50 gift card River Falls
BEST COSTUME CONTEST
One $100 Prize and Two $50 prizes!
50/50 SPLIT THE POT
Mardi Gras in the News
Five compete for title of 2019 Mardi Gras Queen, January 16, 2019, The Valley Breeze.
Lauren Clem. Royalty has nothing on her. January 23, 2019, The Valley Breeze.
Joseph Fitzberald. Tickets are on sale for city’s trademark Mardi Gras gala. January 23, 2019, The Woonsocket Call.
Previous Kings & Queens
(click on links to see Mardi Gras page from that year)
|
1954 • |
Pauline (Nadeau) Miller |
1955 • |
Maureen (Mazzarella) Kennedy |
|
1956 • |
Beverly (DiCesare) Russell |
|
1957 • |
Pauline (Gagnon) Riendeau |
|
1958 • |
Rita (Laliberte) Nadeau |
|
1959 • |
Claire (Paul) Lafrance |
|
1988 • |
Michelle (Lefort) Wheeler |
|
Owen Bebeau |
•1995 • |
Gloria Jean Roy |
Roger Nault |
• 1996 • |
Paula Rezendes |
Al Auclair |
• 1997 • |
Roxanne Menard |
Leo Fontaine |
• 1998 • |
Dianna Glassey |
Roger Jalette |
• 1999 • |
Donna Gallant |
Ken Bianchi |
• 2000 • |
Nancy (Melvin) Beauregard |
Noel Pincince |
• 2001 • |
Suzanne Beaulieu |
Dave Richards |
• 2002 • |
Lorraine Jacob |
Roger Petit |
• 2003 • |
Stacey (McCutcheon) Fitzsimmons |
Roger Bouchard |
• 2004 • |
Roberta Baillargeon |
Tom Ward |
• 2005 • |
Joyce LaPerle |
Brian Blais |
• 2006 • |
Lorraine Guilbault |
Marcel Desroches |
• 2007 • |
Nancy Phillips |
• 2008 • |
||
• 2009 • |
||
• 2010 • |
||
• 2011 • |
||
• 2012 • |
||
• 2013 • |
||
| Bob Phillips | • 2014 • | Sheylon Lawson |
| Paul Shatraw | • 2015 • | Tracey Parenteau |
| Edward Hunt | • 2016 • | Tammy Lamberto Roy |
| Joe Nadeau | • 2017 • | Nicole Riendeau |
| Bob Billington | • 2018 • | Joyce LaPerle |
The king and his court 2018 -- Kim Blais, King Bob Billington and Queen Joyce LaPerle, and Tammy Irwin. |
||
Sponsors
(click on logo or link to visit our sponsors' websites)
American French Genealogical Society | 78 Earle Street, Woonsocket, RI
Athena's Home Novelties
640 Winter Street | Woonsocket, RI
John Boucher Real Estate Property Management, Inc.
600 Cass Avenue | Woonsocket, RI
68 Cumberland Street | Suite 202 | Woonsocket, RI | (401) 765-8880
Cercle Laurier
165 East School Street | Woonsocket, RI
Club Lafayette
289 Aylsworth Avenue | Woonsocket, RI
10 Nate Whipple Highway | Cumberland, RI
Marc A. Cote
Boucher & Company
Commercial Property Specialist
Woonsocket, RI
Garrett Mancieri, Executive Director
389 Old River Road, Manville, RI
Manville Sportsmen's Rod and Gun Club
250 High Street | Manville, RI
Milford Federal Savings & Loan
246 Main Street | Milford, MA
1005 Douglas Pike | Smithfield, RI 02917
281 Harris Avenue |
Woonsocket, RI
Quota International of Woonsocket
Shaw's Meats
801 Social Street | Woonsocket, RI
2 Southwick Street | Mendon, MA
St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center
Vose True Value Hardware
849 Cumberland Hill Road | Woonsocket, RI
Gifts and Gift Certificates
Bileau's Flowers | 665 Diamond Hill Road | Woonsocket RI
with locations in Rhode Island (South Kingstown, West Warwick),
Massachusetts (Braintree, Hyannis, South Attleboro, Swansea)
Sharon Charette
North Smithfield, RI
The Lambrou Family
2360 Mendon Road | Cumberland, RI 02864-3708 | (401) 658-2626
Gift Certificate for
2378 Mendon Road | Cumberland, RI
Excel Beauty Salon (Sue Beaulieu, Mardi Gras Queen 2001)
273 Social Street | Woonsocket, RI
Marlene Gagnon
North Smithfield, RI
Joan Gahan
Woonsocket, RI
Clara Holding
"Life's Little Extras"
Narragansett, RI
6 Winthrop Street & 1300 Park Avenue | Woonsocket, RI | (401) 597-6885
Image Makers Beauty Salon
37 Main Street, Albion, RI
801 Clinton Street | Woonsocket, RI
42 South Main Street | Woonsocket, RI
Carolyn Picchiotti Smith
Cumberland, RI
1500 Diamond Hill Road | Woonsocket, RI
Nicole Riendeau, Mardi Gras Queen 2017
St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center
Stadium Theatre
28 Monument Square | Woonsocket, RI
Sue Tessier MacKenzie,
Seasonal Sweets
289 Summer Street | Woonsocket, RI
Timeless Antiques & Collectibles
91 Main Street | Woonsocket, RI
42 South Main Street, Garden Level Around Back | Woonsocket, RI
200 Woonsocket Hill Road | North Smithfield, RI
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.