MARDI GRAS is a holiday known across the country and the world. It is a magical time of celebration that includes brightly colored decorations, parades, good food, and lots of fun. A legal holiday in Louisiana, it is celebrated throughout the state. Bon Temps in the French Quarter of New Orleans is arguably the most famous area for festivities. Still, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, and the Cajun Bayou are popular spots for Mardi Gras festivities in Louisiana. But other states in the U.S. also celebrate Mardi Gras — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Texas, Missouri, New Mexico, and California, to name a few. Mardi Gras celebrations are also very popular in Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Colombia, and Belgium Martinique. And the Rio Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is considered one the biggest celebrations in the world. For those unable to make the trip to Louisiana or Brazil, Tullahoma recently hosted its own unique Mardi Gras celebration, allowing the community to celebrate while raising funds for a worthy Tullahoma institution.
The Hands-on Science Center (HOSC) recently held a Mardi Gras celebration that included food, fun, and science. According to HOSC’s director, Sean Amidon, the event was casual and allowed various people to come and check out the center and all it offers. The event also provided childcare, allowing parents to enjoy a much-needed time out.
“We had children in the auditorium,” said Amidon. “We kept them entertained and taught them a little about science. But mostly, they were able to have fun while their parents enjoyed the evening and were able to decompress a little.”
The Mardi Gras event is one of four significant fundraising events that the center will hold in 2023. According to Amidon, the events are a part of the center’s efforts to raise additional funds and awareness for the center.
“We’re always trying to make new exciting things to keep things fresh,” he explained. “This is our first very important fundraising event of the year. We have four fundraisers planned, each with a completely different format.”
Amidon also hopes the events will bring in new faces and future showcase all the center has to offer, including various exhibits and programs to stimulate and educate minds of all ages.
“The fundraisers are just a bigger way to bring the community into the center,” he said. “We also hope to attract a different audience that maybe normally wouldn’t come into the center. We are looking to welcome all the different demographics, graphics, and interests of potential donors.” GN
