Parade Day

I woke up in the middle of the night and heard the rain coming down. Not again??? But by morning the rain had stopped and the sun was beginning to shine. That’s a good thing because today was the Rainbow Plantation Mardi Gras parade. We didn’t know what to expect since we have never experienced Mardi Gras anywhere before but if the last few days of celebrations were to be any indication it would be something to remember. When we stepped outside the motorhome the cold air and wind hit us in the face. The rain had stopped but the cold temperatures were hanging on not wanting to give up its grip on the south. My heart sank a little because I expected the wind and cold temperatures would be a road block to the many “older” citizens and visitors of the Plantation. Boy was I wrong. These people continue to just simply amaze me. They have a quest for life that is so refreshing and they know how to have fun and have fun they do. When Mike and I walked up to the clubhouse (the starting point of the parade) we were greeted with dozens of folks dressed up for the occasion with golf carts, cars and whatever else they could find decorated in the colors of Mardi Gras which consist mainly of purple, gold and green. They were laughing and having a grand time. I don’t think they even noticed it was cold.

The parade began promptly at 11:00 complete with an honor guard at the beginning and a fire truck to bring up the rear. There was a lot of bead and moon pie throwing along with waving and fun. Several people even had their pets dressed up in Mardi Gras colors and walked them in the parade.

Immediately following the parade we all converged in the clubhouse for lunch. Chef Larry and crew prepared yummy barbecue, baked beans and cole slaw. After lunch the king and queen paraded into the clubhouse and sat on their throne. The entertainment consisted of a skit followed by the dulcimer group playing several tunes for us. Following the highly talented dulcimer players there was a performance by the group that calls themselves The Chenilles. There just aren’t any words to describe this group of crazy ladies. They came out dressed in their best chenille robes some complete with curlers in their hair. They sang their own modified versions of several songs….mostly off key. As you can surmise it was all in fun and we all laughed so hard we cried. Good fun!

Tomorrow is Fat Tuesday. This will mark the ending of Mardi Gras and the continuous party that has been going on since Friday. I hate to see it end but I am confident that the fun will continue here at the Plantation. Thanks for stopping by and allowing us to share with you the fun of this celebration called Mardi Gras