Hey Everybody, It’s (almost) Mardi Gras Time Once Again! Now that Santa has made his annual visit and returned to the North Pole, folks will once again be gearing up for the Mardi Gras season here along the Gulf coast. As always, Dauphin Island’s own Krewe de la Dauphine (KDLD) will get the party started on Saturday, February 2 followed by the wildly popular town-sponsored People’s Parade slated to roll on Saturday, February 9! Both parades will begin at 1 pm and travel east to west along Bienville Boulevard from the DI Sea Lab to Penicault Street (near Holiday Isle Condos). “KDLD says… It’s Five O’clock Somewhere” is the theme for this year’s parade and you can expect colorful and festive floats depicting a variety of songs made famous by that “Son of a Son of a Sailor” himself, Jimmy Buffett. King Cookie Dickinson & Queen Jane Harmon will reign over the festivities that are sure to delight. The following weekend, YOU’LL have a chance to be IN the parade as the town of Dauphin Island sponsors it’s 3rd Annual People’s Mardi Gras Parade! Parade applications are available on the town’s website, or you can stop by town hall and pick up a copy in person. Applications MUST be returned with payment NO LATER than January 31. Space is limited, and the Parade Committee reserves the right to reject any applications. This family-friendly event is open to everyone including foot marchers, dance troupes, truck bands & performance groups, recognized equestrian groups and more. Registration is $25 for all floats/trailers, boats on trailers and classic cars/car clubs/motorcycle groups ($25 fee includes up to 4 such vehicles). Drivers of all vehicles MUST be licensed appropriately and show proof of insurance.
New this year, People’s Parade Theme Cups will be available to purchase by the sleeve for parade participants to throw. Details available at town hall. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Krewe of Kindness (KOK) Fundraiser Announced On Saturday, January 12, 2019
The Krewe of Kindness, a unique non-profit organization from Mobile, will be hosting an inaugural juvenile Mardi Gras-style ball “Have Courage and Be Kind” at The Pillars from 5-8pm. The mission of KOK is to provide assistance and support to families with special, non-medical needs, to enable them to lead healthy and active lifestyles while emphasizing the importance of inclusion and acceptance within the community. This year, Krewe of Kindness intends to raise $10,000 to support several entities and causes such as USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and purchase adaptive equipment including a handicap accessible beach mat for Dauphin Island. For more information, please check out the KOK website, FaceBook page or contact Karen Simmons ( 662-1235 / ksimmons@ksimmonscpa.com ) or Erin Grimes ( 786-3167 /erinbgrimes@gmail.com ).
BINGO!
Returns to St. Edmund Church Dust off those daubers and get ready to yell “BINGO!” once again at St. Edmund Parish Hall. The first lucky number will be called at 6 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, while the refreshment stand (serving hot dogs, snacks and beverages) opens promptly at 530pm. Join us each week for cash prizes including a $500 jackpot! Contact John or Connie Roan at 861-8088 for info.
Town Museum to host FREE “Birds of Dauphin Island” Talk
Island resident and avid birder Don McKee will present a power-point program on one of nature’s marvels at the Dauphin Island Museum (located at the Welcome Center across from town hall) on Wednesday, January 16 and you are invited to attend. As a former member of the Board of Directors of the National Audubon Society, Don knows birds, and he’s always happy to share his vast knowledge of our feathered friends including the diversity of habitats on Dauphin Island, colorful photographs and personal birding experiences. Doors open at 6 pm and admission is FREE! Make plans to check out the program and see other museum exhibits during your visit.
News from the Dauphin Island Heritage & Arts Council
Last Friday Art Night, an island tradition, will be held at the DIHAC Gallery (918 Bienville Blvd.) on January 28 from 6-8pm. Socialize with friends and neighbors while enjoying art, music and food & beverage. Admission is free, but donations are welcome! Interested in receiving email notifications of upcoming events? Send an email todauphinislandarts@gmail.com it’s that simple!
DI Sea Lab Happenings
The new year at DI Sea Lab, opens registration for summer programs. Starting the first week of January, University Programs will begin accepting applications for the 2019 summer session and Discovery Hall Programs will do the same for the four-week Marine Science Course for High School students offered in the summer. Discovery Hall Programs also invites all educators to check out their new workshop, Build-a-Drifter, on January 28. Registration is open at disl.org/dhp. “Boardwalk Talks” for the new year begin on January 2 with Mendel Graeber discussing what it means to live in a watershed. Free admission.
Garage & Craft Sale
See new items, crafts and a whole lot more at the Fort Gaines campground Rec. Room on Saturday, February 16 from 9am-noon. For more info contact Jane LaFond at (815)383-3237 or mjlafond43@gmail.com.
On behalf of the entire Dauphin Island community, Best Wishes to you and your family for a very healthy and happy 2019!
