Mardi Gras came a little early for the Louisiana Club of The Villages.
Nearly 600 members showed up dressed in costumes and ready to party this week for the club’s “Mardi Gras Ball” in Savannah Center.
The actual date for Mardi Gras is March 5 – the day before Ash Wednesday – but who cares about the calendar when Louisiana Villagers get together to party down.
“Mardi Gras is always a good excuse to party and have fun,” said Villager David Stoltz, a former New Orleans police officer. He was dressed as Stan Laurel, while wife Ellen came as Oliver Hardy.
They both fit the party’s “movie theme” for costumes.
“We’re true blue Louisianans and everybody in New Orleans loves Mardi Gras,” Ellen said. “It’s the biggest free party in the world.”
Cheryl and Bill Osborn come from Jamestown, N.Y., and they love Louisiana – and Lucy. Lucille Ball is from Celoron, N.Y., a tiny village near Jamestown.
“Everyone in Jamestown loves Lucy, she is very special to all of us,” said Cheryl, who was dressed as Lucy and even carrying a bottle of “Vitameatavegamin” from the famed television episode. Bill Osborn came as Ricky.
There is a park and statue honoring Lucille Ball in Celoron. Also, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum is located in Jamestown.
“I just remember growing up watching ‘I Love Lucy’ and was so happy she came from Jamestown,” Cheryl said.
Roland and Mary Caillouet were happy to act as greeters for the party. They were dressed like cast members from “101 Dalmatians.”
They explained the event this way: “In Louisiana, Mardi Gras time is party time.”
Gary and Barbara Ascani – who dressed as Granny and Jed Clampett from the Beverly Hillbillies – agreed.
“Mardi Gras parties are part of Louisiana DNA,” Gary said.
Tony Violanti is a veteran journalist and writes for Villages-News.com.
