Celebrate Mardi Gras with these events for seniors

With the Christmas season officially coming to a close today, Coast residents are making preparations for the next major holiday -- Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras comes early this year as it falls on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

And Harrison County seniors will also be getting into the spirit of Mardi Gras through some upcoming celebrations.

Named after the song made famous by The Hawkettes, "Mardi Gras Mambo" will get underway Thursday, Feb. 4, at the Lyman Community Center.

Leslie Buckler of Boyington Health Care Center said the luncheon will provide seniors an alternative to traditional Mardi Gras festivities.

"This will provide seniors with a safe alternative to the usual parades and such," she said. "They will get to participate in a Mardi Gras event that was designed especially for the seniors of Harrison County."

Bucklar said Mardi Gras Mambo will included traditional New Orleans-style foods such as jambalaya, French bread and red beans and rice, along with music and other activities.

She said there will also be some health care information available for seniors.

"A lot of seniors live on a budget, and we will have some information for them regarding health care and hospices," Bucklar said. "The information providers will be participating in a red beans and rice cook off that will be judged by the seniors."

Now in its second year, Bucklar said she expects a large crowd for this year's Mambo.

"I think we will have more than 500 seniors this year," she said. "It was really well-attended last year, and we got a great response. We're doing things a bit differently this year, and we think it will be even better."

The City of Biloxi Senior Programs will also be hosting a seniors-oriented Mardi Gras luncheon on Jan. 20 at noon at the Donal Snyder Center on Pass Road.

Those planning to attend the Biloxi celebration are encouraged to wear Mardi Gras-themed attire. A king, queen, grand duchess and grand duke will be crowned.

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 8:46 PM with the headline "Celebrate Mardi Gras with these events for seniors ."