“Spirit of Mardi Gras” Dance Party and Crooked Costume Contest

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

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.