Local Mardi Gras celebration will benefit Children's Place
"Laissez les bon temps rouler" or, "Let the good times roll" for a good cause next weekend.
Smith Financial & Tax Advisory Group will host its 10th annual Mardi Gras Party at the Municipal Building in downtown Aiken on Saturday, March 19 from 6 to 10 p.m.
This year's event will benefit Children's Place, and feature authentic New Orleans food and a festive atmosphere, complete with music by the Palmetto Groove Band.
"This party has been a celebration of our family's roots for many years," said Carl Smith, Smith Financial owner. "It quickly outgrew our home and, this year, we are pleased that it will be benefiting Children's Place."
Children's Place hopes to raise at least $5,000 of the $80,000 needed to cover this year's budget cuts. The funds will pay for speech, occupational and physical therapy for the children the organization serves.
"We are so pleased to have Smith Financial as a friend of Children's Place," said Peggy Ford, Children's Place director. "Funds raised from this event will help us better serve the more than 120 children who enter our doors each week."
From the King Cake and beads for guests, to decorations and the crowning of a king and queen, the event will be very much like experiencing the real Mardi Gras revelry in New Orleans.
The Smiths said the event needed to be as authentic as possible, and have worked to ensure every detail fits the celebration.
"We have enjoyed many Mardi Gras celebrations and experienced firsthand the excitement of New Orleans," said Pearline Smith, Smith Financial co-owner. "Our goal is to offer that same experience for our guests, right here in Aiken."
The Palmetto Groove Band will take the stage at 7 p.m. Guests can also have festive photos taken by Thom and Chris Abbott and enjoy a competition to win prizes.
Ticket prices are $65 per couple or $230 for a reserved table of eight.
For more information or to make reservations, call Children's Place at 641-4144.
Contact Ashleey Williamson at awilliamson@aikenstandard.com.
More Local Stories »
3:44 PM: Aiken police seek man for questioning in reference to ATM fraud
2:48 PM: Clemson board meets, talks Big 12 rumors
2:47 PM: Burkhart adjusting to life away from pro golf
2:47 PM: Tennis tourney brings state's top players
2:20 PM: Aiken Choral Society to sing at Spoleto
12:46 PM: Miller horses enjoying success
- Arizona tribes talk about significance of solar eclipse
- Woman with flesh-eating disease maintains optimism in tough time
- First commercial spacecraft speeds toward space station
- Aiken artist murdered; Police shoot, kill murder suspect
- Marvel Comics plans wedding for gay hero
- Finding a 'normal' diet is key for weight loss
- Five officers, two deputies off street during murder investigation
- Man killed ex-wife, shot self during incident with officers
- Carlisle well-respected as an artist and person
- UPDATE: Names released of two killed in morning domestic dispute
Notice about comments:
Commenting rules: Do not post offensive, racial or violent messages. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the commenter, not www.aikenstandard.com. Click 'report abuse' for any comments that you feel should be removed from the site. However, www.aikenstandard.com is not obligated to remove any comment posted on the site. Moderators do not have the ability to edit comments.
Full terms and conditions can be read here.