Festivities Begin With Children's Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras 2011 kicks off with the annual Children's Mardi Gras Celebration.
Photos
No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without some baubles, beads and wild and crazy costumes.
Mardi Gras 2011 began on Saturday with the annual Children's Mardi Gras celebration held at the Museum of Work and Culture. Sponsored by Catholic Financial Life, Chapter 2, and Saint Jean the Baptist, this free event was open to children ages 4-9. Fifteen area youth lit up the museum in full glitz and glam ready to enjoy an afternoon of food, fun and friends.
Upon arrival, children received bags filled with Mardi Gras beads and other goodies as well as a very important raffle ticket which would later determine the King and Queen of Children's Mardi Gras. Musical entertainment provided by 2010 Mardi Gras Queen, Linda Trudeau entertained the crowd with children and adults alike singing and dancing to classic childrens' favorites such as 'The Hokey Pokey' and 'If You're Happy and You Know It.' Even the reigning Mardi Gras Queen, Amanda Corriveault and Princess, Kali Darling, could be found cutting a rug with the children to the appropriate tune, "Dancing Queen."
Paul Plant, Chairperson and Vice President of Chapter 2, crowned the King and Queen of the children's Mardi Gras, chosen by raffle. Justyn Lopez and Gabriella Fontaine, both of Woonsocket, won the honors.
"It feels good to be King " said Justyn, "but I won't go mad with power."
Justyn also explained, "I just can't believe it, I only came here today because I was helping a friend look for her lost cat then her Mom invited me along."
Along side the King, grinning from ear to ear, Queen Gabriella Fontaine said, "On the way here I kept telling my dad I wanna be the Queen, I wanna be the Queen and then they actually picked me, I cant believe I'm going to be famous almost!"
The King and Queen each recived $10 gift cards to Burger King.
Next the children were invited to parade around in their costumes as judges, Linda Trudeau, 2010 Mardi Gras Queen, Amanda Corriveault, reigning Queen, and Donna Aguilere, Chapter 2 member, cast their votes for most original costume and best overall costume.
"Everyone had at least one vote so you are all winners here today," said Trudeau as she announced the four winners. For most original costume, the winners were 8 year old Jessy Cecconi and 8 year old PJ Higgins. Best overall costume went to 3 year old Maddison McGourty and 5 year old Colin Decelles. All four children, who were Woonsocket residents, received a $5 Gift card to Burger King.
A special guest, Paws, the Pawtucket Red Sox Mascot, was on hand to sign autographs, take pictures and even dance a jig or two. While guests feasted on cookies, popcorn and macaroni and cheese, all donated by Gerry McLaughlin, the mysterious monarch himself, King Jace, made a very special appearance. In his traditional manner of honking once for yes and twice for no, the King answered some questions from the crowd.
"Do you like Mardi Gras?" asked 8 year old Mia Douglas, to which he responded with one honk.
Nine year old Liz Ferrenti stumped the King when she asked, "Do you know the 3 colors of Mardi Gras?"
Liz enlightened the group to the correct answer: green, purple and gold.
The event wrapped up with a raffle where every child in attendance was able to choose a prize from a table overflowing with books and toys provided by Catholic Financial Life, Chapter 2, Saint Jean the Baptist. Children also received a giant coloring and activity book with crayons as they left the building.
When asked what the best part of the day was, PJ Higgins said, "meeting the King Jace, I got to sit right next to him, it was the coolest thing ever." One can only hope that this event will instill a sense of community and pride in our children and inspire them to carry on the age old tradition of Mardi Gras in Woonsocket.
Susan Pawlina
1:38 pm on Sunday, February 27, 2011
This sounds like a wonderful event, I wish my children where younger. I just never knew about stuff like this going on in Woonsocket I'm glad the patch is around now so I will get to see what my city has to offer my family thank you!
P.S I am happy Justyn won't go mad with power!
Sue B
2:46 pm on Sunday, February 27, 2011
Catholic Financial Life Chapter 2 should be commended for sponsoring a GREAT Mardi Gras celebration for the children. All those who helped, the Mardi Gras Queen 2010 Linda Trudeau, Paws, mascot of the Pawtucket Red Sox, Mardi Gras Queen 2011 Amanda Corriveault, Mardi Gras 2011 Princess Kali Darling, 2011 King Jace, and members of the Northern Rhode Island Council of the Arts , all deserve a big thank you for making this afternoon so special for the children.
Jeannette Fontaine
6:08 pm on Sunday, February 27, 2011
I am so delighted and thrilled for all of the children who attended this happy occasion. In regards to the grown ups who became involved in this party, I say thank you to all for your time, patience and just making it a wonderful event for all of the children who attended. From what the pictures show, all the children looked so happy and thrilled to be there.
I also want to congratulate the Queen (my dear grandaughter) and the King( Justyn) who both looked so ecstatic to win. This is a day the children will never forget and again, I say thank you to all who made this possible.
The only thing that I regret is I wish there were many more children at the event to enjoy themselves and have a day that will live on in their memory forever I am sure.
Michelle Higgins
12:23 am on Monday, February 28, 2011
I agree Jeannette, it is a day they will never forget, I also agree that it is a shame more children weren't able to participate in this wonderful event, whatever the reason.
Linda Trudeau
9:18 am on Monday, February 28, 2011
To everyone at patches who made this great coverage possible most certainly Michelle Higgins. When you look at the faces of the children it's evident it was more than just a success, they were having a spectacular fun day and isn't that the way it should be for every child? Don't worry about those that weren't there, as long as those that were, enjoyed themselves. With this kind of coverage and word of mouth there will be many new faces next year and won't that be super; as the saying goes, "the more the merrier!" I really got a kick out of the king's and queen's comments lest we forget when the little queen said "I am going to be famous" and, as an after- thought of humbleness ..."almost!" Great coverage and wonderful photos to preserve their childhood memories, as we all know the years fly by, not that it is possible to convince the little ones of this but one day they will look back and enjoy the memories that all of you at patches provided, all over again. Thanks to the parents who brought their children, all the committee members and we hope to see all of you again next year. GARY MCLAUGHLIN THE FOOD WAS TERRIFIC !
2010 MARDI GRAS QUEEN
Linda Trudeau
Michelle Higgins
9:27 am on Monday, February 28, 2011
Linda you were a joy to watch, you are so beautiful and full of energy, your way with children is an art in itself. My son had such a good time on Saturday, he was the Little Jester in red and white. Linda I have to agree , the baked macaroni and cheese was to die for , maybe Gary will see this and share the recipe ....... let's keep our fingers crossed. Thank you again Linda for making this day possible.
Jay Bee
12:44 pm on Monday, February 28, 2011
Looked lik a great time for the children - great photos by Michelle. Favorite was Little Bo Peep - what eyes... would love the mac n cheese recipe too! Hope they have this again next year... jaybee
amy chaffee
8:13 pm on Monday, February 28, 2011
Thanks so much that my baby girl !!!!!!!!!!!! She is so cute !!!!!!!!!!!!
Michelle Higgins
9:02 pm on Monday, February 28, 2011
Amy which is your little girl ?
Linda Trudeau
1:55 pm on Monday, March 14, 2011
Hi Michelle
This weekend I happened to be at a fuction for some very good friends and I knew Gary McLaughlin would be catering so I told him about how so many people enjoyed the baked macaroni and cheese at the childrens mardi gras and how much we would love to have his recipe. He said he would be glad to share it with all of us. He is ready to open a new restaurant in the city of Woonsocket and he said you could call him and he would get back to you within twenty four hours. Lucky us, I can't wait to try it out and with Lent upon us this is a great meatless meal. So you can reach him at 1(401) 405-6122 . You can uncross your fingers Ha Ha
Linda
Michelle Higgins
9:10 pm on Monday, March 14, 2011
Linda, I will be sure to follow up with Mr. McGlaughlin. You are correct in saying we are very lucky to be receiving this little treasure.
Many thanks to you Linda,
Michelle * fingers uncrossed *