Escape to New Orleans for a Night by Staying in Dedham

Fat Tuesday and the start of New Orleans' Mardi Gras party might be a few days away, but you don’t need to splurge on the airfare and hotel to enjoy the festivities this year.

Tonight I’ll be escaping into the illusion of New Orleans at the Mardi Gras Masquerade. I’ve gone to their March fundraiser every year for I don’t know how many years, and it’s always a great night. The crowd is engaging, and you can catch up with friends and neighbors while admiring the beautiful, historic mansion.

The program this year looks like a lot of fun – they’ll have free tarot card readings, Mardi Gras beads and masks, and the requisite Hurricanes (a popular New Orleans drink made with rum, lime juice, and passionfruit.) Plenty of food will be served, sponsored by and Deli After Dark, including jambalaya and shrimp fritters – yum.  Silent auction items include Celtics tickets, Patriots tickets, and a pool membership,  and there will be an opportunity to win prizes such as a pedicure.

Proceeds from the event help DCH underwrite their programs, so you can feel good about supporting this great town resource. And with tickets just $45 at the door, it’s a lot less expensive than the $400 for the airfare to New Orleans. And even more on the upside, the chances you’ll step in something gross are substantially lower if you stay in Dedham!

Specifics:

Mardi Gras Masquerade
Friday, March 4, 7:00-11:00 pm
Dedham Community House, 671 High Street, 781-329-5740
Tickets $45 ($40 if you are able to pay in advance – call quickly!)

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