I invite everyone in the region to spend some fun-filled hours with their friends and family at the city of Fargo's MARDI GRAS for Hurricane Relief on Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Fargo Civic Auditorium. The event begins at 3 p.m. and the final band will finish playing at 10:30 p.m. General admission is $5 (tickets are available at Hornbacher's stores and at the door). Proceeds from the civic center parking lot from that day will also be dedicated to hurricane relief.
Children's activities are being provided by the Fargo Public Library, Fargo Police Department, Fargo Fire Department, the Fargo Park District and Games to Go. From the large "bouncy" air-filled activities to face-painting, mask-making, games (for gift certificate prizes), police K-9 and vehicle photo ops for kids, an appearance by the Fire Department's new robot and more, the kids will have plenty to choose from.
There will be continuous live music by eight bands and six performing groups on two stages throughout the day. You can enjoy live music from local favorites including the Deb Jenkins Band, Russ Peterson and the Funk Commission, and the Roosters, as well as music from around the world including Somalian singers, Kurdish dancers, Native American drummers and singers, and more.
Throughout the event there will be food donated by area merchants (everything from burgers grilled by Old Broadway's Randy Thorson and Warren Ackley and chili from Lauerman's to pasta from Santa Lucia's and hot dogs from Hornbacher's and much, much more) being dished up by your favorite media personalities, city notables and local celebrities.
I would just like to thank everyone in advance for their inspiring and generous spirit. Absolutely everything in this event has been donated, making it possible to contribute 100 percent of the proceeds of this event to hurricane relief.
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From the original team of June Renvall's "Four Crazy Ladies," Jeff Mooridian, Broadway Music and the eight bands who initiated this event to all the city and park staff, elected officials, non-profit organizations, area merchants, performers and volunteers who all came on board and donated so generously to make this happen, I offer my heartfelt thanks and also the gratitude of our neighbors in the Gulf states who will be the recipients of your generosity.
Volunteers are still needed - Call FirstLink at (701) 293-6462 if you can help out (any amount of time would be welcomed and appreciated).
Bring your friends and family and let's have a blast together at Mardi Gras on Sunday.
Coates is a Fargo city commissioner. E-mail lcoates@cityoffargo.com
