Loose Leaf Notes

-The following first appeared in The Floyd Press with a smaller selection of photos on February 27, 2020.

For 11 years now, Floyd has been letting the good times roll at the annual Mardi Gras Costume Ball to benefit Blue Mountain School (BMS). Held at Dogtown Roadhouse, the annual community celebration has been described as one of the best parties of the year.

Every year, organizers go all out on festive touches, which includes a “Krewe du Bleu” pre-party feast prepared by chef Richard Perry.  Perry’s classic New Orleans-inspired menu was served this year in the (upstairs) Voodoo Lounge, where patrons could also find a bar, acoustic music and a silent auction of items donated by local artists.

BMS is a 38-year-old independent school with a focus on social/emotional learning and nature-based programs. The Mardi Gras raises money for the school’s scholarship fund. “We offer tuition assistance to 2/3 of the student body,” said BMS art teacher and event organizer Lore Deighan on a recent WSLS Blue Ridge Daytime show.

The WSLS show featured a performance by this year’s Mardi Gras opening act, Her Majesty, a band that came together at Jefferson Center’s Music Lab with a BMS second-generation alum as lead singer/songwriter.

Live dance music, complimented with light shows, have always been a Mardi Gras favorite.

Following Her Majesty, the night’s music roster included The Ambassador, Music Road Co and few songs performed by young musicians Dish Orr and Nyo Allen (pictured on drums), a BMS alum.

Orr and Allen were accompanied by Nyo’s father, Jamiel Allen, a band member of both The Ambassador and Music Road, as well as the event’s music coordinator.

Dancers filled the house, and the night’s dance party concluded with an all-star performance that combined Music Road Co and The Ambassador for a funk, reggae, Latin/Afro infused rock finale.

The glitter and glamour of costumes are always a Mardi Gras highlight, and some literally lit up the dance floor with lights. Floyd PFLAG hosted their traditional costume contest, giving prizes for the best accessories, couple’s costumes and the best rainbow costume, which went to Kathryn Ashera Rose.

Arthur Rodriguez won best in accessories for his steampunk costume, and the best couple’s costumes went to Ivan Anderson and Cheryl Fisher.

The best kept secret every year is who will be crowned the Mardi Gras King and Queen. “This was the first year that we voted as a community and they got the most votes,” said event organizer and BMS board president Martha Sullivan about Shelly Emmet Fox and Justin Fox, who were crowned this year’s Mardi Gras royalty.

MC Shamama called the couple on stage and crowned them with handmade butterfly crowns made by BMS teacher Shelly Sherman.

“We saw many familiar faces from the nearly 40 years that Blue Mountain has been operating. And we enjoyed many new friends, some traveling from North Carolina and Maryland to join the celebration,” Sullivan said.” She added that the BMS community is grateful to everyone who donated and participated.  “It was wonderful to gather with friends and celebrate the coming spring with food and music and dancing.”

___________Our World Tuesday