Saluda Mardi Gras event on March 1

Press release

This time of the year the quaint mountain village of Saluda, NC has fewer visitors and becomes a “sleepy” community until visitors and day trippers return in the spring. As part of Historic Thompson’s Store’s “Let the Good Times Roll” music series, organizers will be hosting a Mardi Gras Masquerade party in the Boarding House Venue upstairs of Historic Thompson’s Store and Ward’s Grill on Main Street in Historic Downtown Saluda.

“While traditionally found along the Gulf Coast, these festive occasions are beginning to spread to other sections of the country. It’s a different way of boosting community business as well as psyche’ during the dreary winter months.

Living in the Deep South for the past 50 years has allowed me to appreciate and enjoy two different cultures found in the area, the Creoles and Cajuns. Both groups excel in good fun and good food. Our own Mardi Gras party will reflect the casual nature of Cajun celebrations versus the more formal New Orleans style of elaborate costumes. Guests are welcome to come with or without a costume. Party favors will be provided, “says owner of Thompson’s Store and organizer of event, Clark Thompson.

“Our beautiful restored Boarding House Venue, which is located upstairs over the Historic Thompson’s Store, provides an ideal event facility for hosting intimate parties such as our first annual Mardi Gras Celebration. The Boarding House has all the modern amenities (including an elevator and handicap-accessible restrooms) but retains a historic charm, hearkening back to the early 1900’s when the building’s second floor served as a boardinghouse for railroad workers.

In addition to previously hosting such events as opera, birthday parties, weddings, reunions, and anniversary celebrations, it is our goal to bring to Saluda on a regular basis more cultural type experiences not currently found in our immediate community,” says Clark Thompson.

The event will begin at 5:30pm on March 1 with an hour and a half cash bar, followed by dinner at 7:00. Menu will include file’ gumbo w/sausage & chicken, red beans and rice, jambalaya, hush puppies, and king cake. Recorded music throughout the evening will consist of Cajun, Zydeco music and New Orleans jazz with dancing. Saxophone player, Darryl Oliver will be playing soulful ballads and funky blues jazz. Reservations are required by February 24. Tickets are $40/person. Please call Judy Ward for details at 828-749-2321.

Historic Thompson’s Store and Ward’s Grill is located at 24 Main Street, Saluda, NC.