Mushrooms and Mardi Gras will be celebrated downtown this May
instead of in Community Park. We think this is a good idea,
especially since the parking lot on West Edmundson will be under
construction (the indoor recreation center) and unavailable.
Mushrooms and Mardi Gras will be celebrated downtown this May instead of in Community Park. We think this is a good idea, especially since the parking lot on West Edmundson will be under construction (the indoor recreation center) and unavailable.
However, Mushroom Mardi Gras Event Director Sunday Minnich says this year the giant, two-day party will be free, with no entry fee as in the past, which brings up worries over funding the MMG’s scholarship program. If there are no gate receipts, where will the money come from?
Here’s an idea: visitors are welcome to drop off a contribution (large or small, preferably large – former tickets cost $10 each) in one of several collection boxes throughout the Monterey Road area. Festival folks will also need more sponsors from the public – that’s you and/or your business. Even if your business is out of town, what a good chance to get a little publicity.
The scholarships go to about 20 local and deserving graduating seniors; MMG also supports local nonprofit organizations that work at the festival.
Last year the spotlight was on mushrooms; this year the bash (May 28-29) will feature the return of the Mardi Gras Parade. Henry Clements and his authentic Gumbo Band will wend their way through downtown twice a day, picking up dogs, kids and the odd person in costume along the way.
The food and craft vendors will be able to stretch out from Main to Dunne and on several side streets and celebrity chef Andy La Russo, the singing chef will give a demonstration a day on the main stage.
Saturday’s headliner on the West Third Street stage is Entoufée, playing Swamp Rock from New Orleans. On Sunday, Ry Kihn’s band Big Fun will return after their 2004 Mardi Gras success . Ry is the son of radio and music personality Greg Kihn.
Minnich said the MMG is working closely with downtown merchants so the festival is a positive experience for them, not a negative one; merchants are encouraged to decorate their businesses in Mardi Gras themes during the month of May to match flags and decorations on light poles and trees.
City Hall, the fire department and the downtown association have all helped Minnich line up permits and iron out details, with only final city approval still to come. It looks like the Mardi Gras board was wise to hire Minnich with all her event planning experience. She is responsible for years of increasingly successful Taste of Morgan Hill and other Chamber of Commerce events.
Details: www.mhmushroommardigras.com or 778-1786.
