Also this is free for members but we ask that if you invite a nonmember that they become a member for 2014 to attend the picnic.

See you all soon! Cheers!

RSVP NOW

The Fool’s Ball

You thought Mardi Gras was over but no! We like to keep up the vibe all year long. On the eve of April Fool’s Day we will be enjoying the Fool’s Ball.

The theme is cross-dressing! Ladies, you know you love to wear suits and fake mustaches. Guys, you know you look good in a mini-skirt. So doll up and come out and dance.

DJ Sloan Wolf is in the house!

This party is one more benefit of being a member of Asheville Mardi Gras, so there is no cover if you are a 2013 member. Non-members are asked to pay a $5 cover to help over costs.

WHEN: Sunday March 31st – Easter Sunday 8:00 PM

WHERE: Club Remix – 38 North French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC

RSVP & More Information on Facebook – CLICK HERE

Thank you Asheville!

The parade would not have been possible without our wonderfully feathered and glittery members
and the parade route business owners who approved our parade permit.

What a Wonderful Mardi Gras Parade and Ball

Happy Mardi Gras!

Join us for Zydeco Dance Lessons! It’s going to get hot!

WHEN & Where: Saturday, February 9th at Olive n Twist

The Details: Lessons will be between the hours of 4 and 7
The event will start with beginner-level instruction then move on into some intermediate-level dancing.
Rudy Rodriguez and his partner will lead the classes.  Later that evening Olive n Twist will have a Cajun band playing , so attendees can stay on and dance into the night.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

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Date: January 27

When: 6 pm until Late, Costume judging at 8 pm

Where: Double Crown club, 375 Haywood Road, West Asheville (across from Builder’s First Source.)

What: Dancing, Cajun Food by the Lowdown Food Truck, Portraits Captured and Printed On Site by Black Box Photography, Costume Contest, Souvenir Stand, Cash Bar

In a nod to Huey Long, infamous Louisiana politician, Asheville Second Line (A2L) has announced voting for it’s “Spirit of Mardi Gras” costume contest will be deliberately and unabashedly rigged.

A2L is hosting the fancy-dress competition as part of its January 27 fund raiser, two weeks before the city’s annual Bacchus Sunday parade. Contestants will collect special beads from other party-goers, with a winner selected from among finalists by shouted acclaim.

Every attendee at the party will be given a number of “votes” to distribute, but additional beads will be available in exchange for bribes, favors or connections to “people who count.” Contestants, in turn, can earn beads through merit, negotiation, or any legal social scheme.
“Is it fair?” asks organizer Sabra Hammond. “Who cares? Will it be fun? You bet.”

A2L is a marching band formed this year to create a live sound track for Asheville’s greatest annual display of costumery and inner-clown. Named after the Crescent City’s term for parade music, Asheville Second Line self-describes as “a dozen musicians with day-jobs, who play heritage songs and a New Orleans beat.”

Woodwinds, brass, percussion and an accordionist have been meeting for months to prepare for the February 10 parade, but not without expense. Costumes, sheet music and instruments had to purchased, and the costs are adding up.

“We tried raising money through tee-shirt sales, jewelry and online drives” says Hammond, “but it just wasn’t enough.” Eventually a Mardi Gras veteran suggested the only to get cash from a party-oriented crowd is to throw another party. Thus, “The Spirit of Mardi Gras” was born.
Hosted by West Asheville’s “Double Crown” — itself a tribute to NOLA culture — “Spirit of Mardi Gras” will run January 27 from 6 pm ’til closing. Its contest winner will receive a headdress donated by “Organic Armor,” a local crafter of high-end fantasy garb.

Other party attractions include portraits captured and printed on site by Black Box Photography, Cajun cooking from the Lowdown food truck, and a DJ spinning dance tunes throughout the night. Admission and voting privileges are $10. Would-be contestants must be in the door by 8 p.m.
“We’re starting early” shrugs Hammond, “some people gotta work Monday.” For the rest, she says, “plan a late night, sleep in the next day.”

RSVP – CLICK HERE

This year’s cook-off winners were:

First place – Monica Hampton, representing Biltmore Village Inn – Crawfish Etouffee. Monica and others from the Inn made a lovely presentation as well as dish. And they were a blast to party with! I can’t wait to visit the restaurant!

Second place – Lina Lam and Randy – Lina has taken first place for the past two years, then here comes Monica! The competition’s heating up Lina, but you can handle it!!!

Third place – Sabra Hammond – Gluten-free banana cream pies with Raspberry Cayenne Sauce

A big hug of appreciation to those who entered items in the silent auction, as well as those who bid on the same. Such amazing entries this year! And of course to the volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the event, and to Tressas Jazz for putting up with this raucous bunch!!!

Those who weren’t around to pick up their silent auction items can find them at the Costume Shoppe. We’ll be contacting you soon.

Cheers to all who took the time to grace us with their presence and entries. This parade’s on YOU!

- AK

Line-up of official events for Asheville Mardi Gras Weekend

Thursday, February 7th:

LaZoom Mardi Gras Style Tours with David Earle and the PlowShares, two runs 6 and . Please go to www.lazoomtours.com to get your tickets.
Meet at Wicked Weed for the 6 or 7 PM tour
Call: (828) 225-6932 or Email: jen@lazoomtours.com
Ask them about the Mardi Gras Tour on February 7th!

Friday, February 8th:

Running of the Winos Asheville Mardi Gras annual traditions of “wine hopping” downtown to spread the Asheville Mardi Gras spirit!
More information and RSVP on Facebook.

Saturday, February 9th:

Zapow – Steampunk Carnival Art Reception from 7-9 with music by The Extraordinary Contraptions. RSVP on Facebook!

Scandal’s Night Club – Krewe Party with Tanner Taylor, Chyna, Briana Michaels

EVENT: DJ Dance Party with Drag Show
TIME: 10pm-3am
COVER: $10 or only $7 for club members (ages 18+ event)
INFO: Playing the best dance music from Top 40 to House

Toy Boat Community Art Space (101 Fairview Rd.) – Seduction Side Show with After Party to Follow

EVENT: Fatal Attraction & Tainted Love (A journey into the heart of darkness)
TIME: Two Shows: Friday, February 8th – 9PM – Saturday, February 9th – 8PM
COVER: $15 for over 21 / $20 18-21
INFO: www.seductionsideshow.com

Olive or Twist – Zydeco Dancing – More information – click here

Mobile Decorating Party – TBA

Sunday, February, 10th: Parade at 3:05 p.m. rain or shine, full street closure.

Parade: Line-up: 2 p.m. at the West end of Wall Street

Queen’s Ball: Immediately following the Parade at Pack’s Tavern’s Century Room, Free and open to the public
Music: Bayou Diesel
More information at www.ashevillemardigras.org

Krewe Registration – CLICK HERE

Fat Tuesday February 12, 2013
Mardi Gras Day

You know they’ll be some partying going on… TBA

Thursday, February 7th – 6 and 7 pm with David Earle and the PlowShares

Pick up at Wicked Weed Brewery 6 and 7 PM, February 7th

How to Get Your Ticket:

Call: (828) 225-6932 or Email: jen@lazoomtours.com

Ask them about the Mardi Gras Tour on February 7th!

LaZoom Tours – Website

RSVP on Facebook!

BIG THANK YOU TO JIM FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN!!

All hail King Matt Intrnet Evanoff and Queen Sheila Ann Thibodeaux!

King Matt Intrnet Evanoff

Queen Sheila Ann Thibodeaux

It’s Mardi Gras Time Again!

Asheville Mardi Gras rang in the season in grand style last night as the new king and queen of Mardi Gras were announced. The evening was host to costumes and dancing. A second line wove it’s way though the crowd as the king’s cake was cut, revealing our new king and queen. Revelers danced into the night… Happy Mardi Gras!

All Hail King Matt Intrnet Evanoff and Queen Sheila Ann Thibodeaux!

Thank you to all our new members, and a special shout out to Short Street Cakes, 11 on Grove, and all our volunteers for making the night such a spectacular spectacular!

Laissez la bon temps rouler!

Asheville, NC – Get your taste buds ready for a sampling of our town’s finest Cajun cuisine at Asheville Mardi Gras’ 5th Annual Cajun Cook-off / Art & Oddities Silent Auction. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, January 19th 4 p.m. at Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues on Broadway. The Cajun Cook-off / Silent Auction is open to the public and is a fundraiser to help support the Asheville Mardi Gras Parade and Ball which are free to all and will occur on Bacchus Sunday, February 10th, 2013. Everyone is welcome to try their hand at creating Asheville’s best Cajun dish. The crowd’s favorite will take home the coveted cook-off trophy, not to mention, bragging rights until next year’s cook-off where they will defend their title. Once all guests are pleasantly full, we will present the Art & Oddities Silent Auction where you can find and bid on spectacular, bazaar, collectible and crafty items created by local legends and folk artists.

This event always boasts the talents of local artists, chefs and lovers of Louisiana cuisine. For a $15 entry fee (or free with your Asheville Mardi Gras membership), you will enjoy delicious Cajun creations, dance to New Orleans style music and marvel at the costuming extravaganza that comes with the spirit of the Mardi Gras Season. This year’s Cajun Cookoff will also showcase local favorite, LaZoom’s Augusta Wind. Miss Augusta Wind will be our MC for the day – she is sure to blow you away! This is a community event and is family friendly. You and your family can participate at any level. Enter a Cajun dish, bid on or donate to the Arts & Oddities Silent Auction, dress in your Mardi Gras best and dance the evening away or just come with an empty belly and a hunger for some wonderful Cajun cooking!

If you or someone you know might be interested in becoming a member, entering a dish into the cook-off, or donating to the Art and Oddities Auction visit the Asheville Mardi Gras groups page on Facebook or find us at www.ashevillemardigras.org.