New Orleans native Rhonda Robichaux is the Durham Mardi Gras Group's queen of Mardi Gras
It’s time to break out the beads: Mardi Gras is headed to Durham. Here’s your chance to don a mask to a charity masquerade, make a colorful costume or head out to a rousing parade (or do all three!). This may not be the Big Easy, but there’s more than enough fun to go around.
The Ariadne Charity Masked Ball – Fri. Feb. 1, 7-10pm – Get in the Mardi Gras spirit with this masquerade. Don’t have a mask lying around? Don’t worry! The Krewe of Ariadne is partnering with The Scrap Exchange to create a Make & Take room where you can decorate your disguise. Live music from the Bulltown Strutters, a piñata and a costume contest round out this event, which will benefit PORCH-Durham and be held at The Scrap Exchange.
Costume Making – Sat. Feb. 9, 4-6pm and 8-10pm – Head on down to Motorco to put the finishing touches on your Mardi Gras costume. Live music will accompany the decorating, and there will be materials provided by The Scrap Exchange. There’s no doubt you’ll be looking your best by the time Tuesday rolls around.
2013 Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration – Tue. Feb. 12, 7pm – Spend your Fat Tuesday parading around with the king and queen — of Mardi Gras, that is. The Durham Mardi Gras Group has chosen Mel Melton and Rhonda Robichaux to lead the celebrations. Mel is the owner of Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse and plays in the band Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojos, while Rhonda, a New Orleans native, is a member of the Rhonda Robichaux Band. The parade will start at CCB Plaza (get there around 6:30pm!) and end on Rigsbee Street near Motorco and Fullsteam.
