By Colleen Redman
Tired of winter snow, area residents shook off their cabin fever blues and filled the Sun Hall Saturday night for the inaugural Mardi Gras Costume Ball. The evening of high energy entertainment was a fundraiser for Blue Mountain School, presented by the Republic of Floyd. Party-goers decked in feathers, masks, beads, and glitter danced wall-to-wall to the foot stomping tunes of the Floyd FunkStars and Wild Life, and enjoyed New Orleans style concessions prepared by Chef Natasha Shishkevish.
In between musical acts, striking performances by Gyroscopic Tribal Belly Dancers captivated the audience and included a dance with parasols and one with butterfly winged theatrics. A live auction officiated by Tom O’Neill was a lively affair, with Emily Williamson’s original Mardi Gras poster art going to the highest bidder for $350. Other donated items auctioned off to benefit Blue Mountain School included hand blown glass vases, a website, local restaurant gift certificates, classes, massages, a Dogtown pizza party for 50, and more.
Following a Best Costume Contest judged by Floyd FunkStars’ Hoppy Vaughn, the carnival party culminated with the ceremonious crowning of Mardi Gras King, Louisiana raised and Republic of Floyd event promoter Tom Ryan, and Pat Sharkey as Queen. Crowned on stage to audience applause Ryan wore a crown of silverware designed by Gabriele Hilgner. Sharkey, who was celebrating her birthday, wore feathers and was presented with flowers.
“The Mardi Gras was such a fun event with a fabulous turnout! I hope it becomes an annual tradition,” attendee Yvonne Hodgkins later said.
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