The clock is ticking down to zero hour
– 10 a.m. Saturday – when the gates of Community Park will be
thrown open and the 25th Mushroom Mardi Gras begins its two-day
run.
The clock is ticking down to zero hour – 10 a.m. Saturday – when the gates of Community Park will be thrown open and the 25th Mushroom Mardi Gras begins its two-day run.
Organizers say they expect to welcome more than last year’s 30,000 people who come to hear great bands, feast on fine and familiar food and drink, visit arts and craft booths and enjoy a day in the sunshine.
Five bands will take the stage starting at noon each day: Sage, Big Fun and Greg Kihn (both days) on Saturday; Pt & the Cruzers, Kihn and the Gin Blossoms on Sunday.
In Munchkinland, designed to keep the younger set happy, organizer Tilly Mayeda pointed out the various rides Thursday afternoon, some already assembled, some not, that will be waiting for kids on Saturday.
“We’ve tried to keep this area for the really young kids, maybe 5- to 10-year-olds,” she said. “We have the jump houses, the smaller rides, things that the little guys will like.”
The activities in Munchkinland will be familiar to those who visited last year.
For older children, there is the popular climbing wall, as well as a laser-type shooting gallery and a water blaster game – called Big Squirt – to publicize the opening of the new Morgan Hill Aquatic Center on June 10.
Nearby, there will be a petting zoo and pony rides, all located near the duck pond where it is shadier and quieter, away from the bands, Mayeda said.
With sunny and mild weather, festival organizers are expecting a large crowd.
“The major beer companies tell me that the perfect beer drinking temperature is 83 degrees, and we’ll be there,” Mayeda said.
Another reason large crowds are anticipated is the choice of bands.
“In the past, we’ve seen that we do really well with a classic rock venue,” Mayeda said. “We went back to that this year.”
People have also questioned what they can bring to the event.
“Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, we have lots of grassy areas to spread out and relax in,” she said. “Coolers are not allowed, except for baby bottles and we discourage backpacks.”
Saint Louise Medical Center will once again host the baby changing station, complete with rocking chairs for nursing moms, and hand out sunscreen. The hospital will also coordinate, with security, the efforts to find lost children.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children; parking near Community Park with free shuttles to the festival. Do not park in shopping center lots. Details: www.mhmushroommardigras.com or 778-1786.
