Mardi Gras rolled through the Provision Living community at Hattiesburg, last weekend, with the first annual Krewe of Memories event.
Residents, their family, and friends, gathered to partake in traditional Mardi Gras celebration activities, including tossing green, gold, and purple beads, dancing, and a champagne treat.
Close to 100 people dressed up, and participated in the ball, which was put together by Provision's Glenn Nobles, who is the new Activities Director at the Hattiesburg community.
Provision's Donna Dabbs, who helped with the event as part of the Community Relations team, explained that the decorations, and elaborate floral arrangements created a beautiful setting for everyone to enjoy.
Seniors at Provision in Hattiesburg were encouraged to wear their best clothes, and were presented at the promenade with much fanfare.
"The residents were introduced as "Lady" or "Lord", in the Mardi Gras tradition, and as they walked through the archway, they were presented with a card with their name on it, which they dropped in a hat, and at the end of the event we drew names out for honorary King and Queen of the celebration," said Dabbs.
Perhaps the most special moment occurred when the residents had a chance to dance, and enjoy champagne.
"It was the first time many of these folks have been able to dance in many years, and we had a couple of young adults accompanying, and dancing, which made it very fun and memorable," said Dabbs.
Provision hosts events throughout the year, often for holidays, such as Valentine's Day, and sometimes with a cultural aim, such as the Arm Chair Travel occasions that pick a location, such as Paris, or Ireland, and create a theme, complete with menus and entertainment representing the location.
Mardi Gras, which is an obviously popular event in the South, is something many residents have partaken in their whole lives, and the opportunity to reconnect with memories of past celebrations created a uniquely positive experience.
Local media organizations covered the event, and photos are available to view on the Hattiesburg American website, here.
We'd like to say thanks to Mr. Nobles, Ms. Dabbs, and all the members of the team who put on the celebration, and especially to our residents, for joining us in the inaugural Krewe of Memories.
What Do You Think?
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