Members of the L.A.D.D. Center in Jena visited the Centennial Cultural Center (CCC) in downtown Olla last Friday morning for a special Mardi Gras celebration. At the start of the program, attendees walked through the doors of the Cultural Center where they were adorned in Mardi Gras fashion items of their choice – beads, masks, hats, feather boas and headbands. They were welcomed by CCC Director Donna Lindsey and learned about the history of Mardi Gras, including its infamous purple, green and gold colors and the origin of parades, from CCC board member Trish Cook Taylor.
Music was then provided by the Cane River Brass Quintet, a musical ensemble from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA. The crowd danced and cheered to jazz music and brassy renditions of well-known favorites.
The band also led the group in a march through the Center, down the side of Front Street and through the Downtown Olla Courtyard. The second line quickly fell into step, dancing and clapping their way behind the band.
After the exciting musical performance, everyone enjoyed a delicious, southern meal of fried catfish, chicken strips, fries, gumbo, potato salad, and an array of desserts.
Attendees were also able to take home a cup full of parade favors.
This event was supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the RAC, with funding also provided by the National Endowment of the Arts.
The Centennial Cultural Center worked in conjunction with the L.A.D.D. Center and its volunteers.
