2019 Floyd Mardi Gras: The Beat Goes On
-The following first appeared in The Floyd Press on March 7, 2019
Dogtown Roadhouse was decked out in lights and attendees were donned in all variety of feathers, glitter and masks for the 10th annual Mardi Gras Ball, a fundraiser for the Blue Mountain School (BMS).
The popular Krewe du Bleu dinner kicked off the annual festivities.
Smoked Mojo Pork Loin, Shrimp and Fish Po’boys, Oyster and Crab Bienville Casserole and Cajun delights were some of the Krewe du Bleu dishes prepared by Chef Richard Perry of Classic Caterers.
Ed Gralla, a long-time BMS supporter and past Mardi Gras King, checked in attendees and sold tickets at the door.
Mardi Gras MC Shamama thanked the opening band, Her Majesty, as they took a bow after their set. Band member, singer-songwriter Lily Byler (left in trio) is a second generation Blue Mountain School alum.
Dancers filled the dance floor and did the Electric Slide between band sets.
The Voodoo Lounge, located in the new upper addition of the Dogtown building, was a popular place to relax, socialize and enjoy live music and the view of downtown.
Featured music in the Lounge included Jake Retting (pictured left), Paul LeMay, David Hall and Flirting with Chemicals. Listen HERE.
The Blue Mountain School Silent Auction crew showed off their Mardi Gras high fashion.
A mysterious masked lady browses through the silent auction items, donated by artists and businesses to support the Blue Mountain School.
Billed as “Floyd’s Rock Royalty,” Music Road Company hit the stage with an extended horn section and a Latin fusion sound. Listen HERE.
The stage light show fell on dancers as they spun the dance floor.
Contestants of the annual Mardi Gras Costume Contest flashed their style.
The winners of the Couple’s Costume Contest did a victory walk on the dance floor.
Floyd PFLAG awarded prizes for the best cross dresser and couple’s costumes.
Jordan Harman and friends made up this year’s all-star Lagniappe band, a tradition started by the late Tom Ryan, a Floyd Mardi Gras founder.
Always a well-kept secret until the festive pronouncement is the crowning of the Mardi Gras King and Queen. This year the honor went to Jody and Tom Franko. – More on Mardi Gras 2019 HERE. Read about last year’s Floyd Mardi Gras HERE.
March 8th, 2019 1:12 pm
This looks so fun and colorful! My coworkers and I were just talking about how we want to visit New Orleans!
March 8th, 2019 8:57 pm
So much fun!
March 9th, 2019 1:22 pm
You guys are having too much fun. I love it. All that color and movement.
I’m out here in California collecting Blue Ridge/Southern Potteries dishes. Sometimes they are just awful, but other patterns are a delight.
March 10th, 2019 12:53 pm
This looks like a lot of fun! Great photos!
March 12th, 2019 11:20 pm
You certainly know how to party in your town. Love it, Colleen!