Asheville, here comes Mardi Gras

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Here’s the press release:

Asheville, NC – The Mystic Mountain Krewe will host an event that marks the beginning of the Mardi Gras season worldwide, or at least in New Orleans and Asheville. The Twelfth Night party will take place at Ed Boudreaux’s at 48 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 7:00pm.

The event will feature the official proclamation of the opening of the Mardi Gras season, the presentation of the King Cake and the crowning of the krewe’s new King and Queen. The LaZoom bus will meet the revelers afterwards and take as many as can ride around town, spreading Mardi Gras cheer throughout the city.

The Mystic Mountain Krewe is making preparations for Asheville’s second annual Mardi Gras Parade (Sunday, February 22nd downtown, starting at 4:37 p.m.) In light of current economic realities, this year’s theme is “RICHES TO RAGS.”

The organization is a motley krewe of New Orleans ex-pats and devotees of New Orleans culture and some who just love a good party! Although Mystic Mountain is the organizing krewe, the group is currently enrolling additional krewes and individual revelers for parade entries.

A “krewe” is social aid and pleasure club, per New Orleans tradition. Any group may enter as a krewe—friends, neighborhood groups, work colleagues, businesses, non-profits. Brainstorming is encouraged; the rule of the day is creativity, political satire and spoofing!

For more information or to get involved, visit www.myspace.com/mysticmountainkrewe or call Susan at the Costume Shoppe: (828) 252-8404.