MARDI GRAS PROGRAM

Approximately 22 people attended the Mardi Gras Party held in the Bucyrus Public Library’s Community Room on February 23, 2002.

As participants arrived, they were each given three Mardi Gras bead necklaces, one in each color of the Mardi Gras (green, gold, and purple).

Participants first enjoyed a story entitled Jolie Blonde and the Three Heberts: A Cajun Twist to an Old Tale by Sheila Hebert Collins. This is a Cajun retelling of the story of Goldilock and the Three Bears. Then, a Powerpoint presentation was done that presented facts about Mardi Gras, as well as pictures of costumes, floats, and items connected to it.

Participants then had their choice of 5 craft tables to make Mardi Gras related crafts. The crafts were:

*Mardi Gras Noisemaker–made with paper plates, rice and streamers.

*Mardi Gras Masks–participants could choose from all sorts of decorations to make their very own masks .

*Mardi Gras Treasure Sacks–these were decorated paper bags used to hold other crafts and the tattoos and doubloons given out at the end of the program.

*Fruit Loop Necklaces–participants strung Fruit Loops cereal on yarn to make colorful necklaces.

*Mardi Gras Party Popper–this craft utilized toilet paper rolls covered with tissue paper (in purple or gold). The rolls were first covered, then filled with candy. Once filled, the ends were tied with colorful ribbon.

Once participants were finished with the crafts, they could enjoy a snack of punch and Little Debbie Honey Cakes (representing the King’s Cake) at their leisure. After snack, participants could either finish up crafts or participate in a game.

The game played was "Pass the Baby". The same Zydeco music that had played during the craft time was played in this adapted version of Musical Chairs. A small baby doll (representing the tiny doll that is placed inside the King’s Cake) was used. Participants passed the doll around a circle while the music played. Once the music stopped, the person holding the doll was out. They were thrown a Mardi Gras bead necklace once they were out, and play continued.

At the end of the program, participants received tattoos and doubloons in Mardi Gras colors to put in their bags, as well as getting to take home one of the balloons that had decorated the Community Room for the party!

Everyone had a great time, and we heard many positive comments from both parents and children!