upcoming

Mardi Gras!

What:

While the recent earthquake and fires have taken their toll on several Old Town buildings, the community is invited to help preserve another Eureka landmark, Saint Bernard Church, while having some Mardi Gras fun.

The church, which turns 125 next year, needs a new fire sprinkler system and other renovations. Toward that end, the church is hosting a Cajun extravaganza with acclaimed musical act Thomas Rigney and Flambeau at the Arkley Center for Performing Arts on Tuesday, February 16.

“A fundraiser also can be fun,” said Loren Allen, pastor of Saint Bernard parish. “There is no better day for a party than Fat Tuesday and we’re going to have a Mardi Gras benefit in authentic Louisiana style.”
 
Rigney, a virtuoso fiddler, and Flambeau have developed an enthusiastic following in Eureka and Northern California. The Bay Area group was voted Best Cajun/Zydeco Band by the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame.

“It is hard to sit still through the sweet compelling airs and stompin’ Cajun melodies played with such joyous virtuosity,” said San Francisco Moda Magazine.

What’s a celebration without food and beverage? An extended intermission will provide authentic New Orleans fare made from  the Southland’s most famous recipes featuring plentiful Mardi Gras hors d’oeuvres and desserts.

There will be complimentary wine, champagne, hurricane cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. A dance floor will be provided during the second half of the show. Wear a Mardi Gras costume or mask if you like. This will be a Mardi Gras to remember!

Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday, is a traditional day of celebration before Ash Wednesday, in particular in France and in port cities in the Americas. Saint Bernard Church, on the corner of 6th and H streets, has served the greater community of Eureka since 1886.

Eureka Fire Department marshal Rusty Goodlive recently toured the Gothic Revival building and was impressed by its historic beauty and value. “You can count on the fire department to support your efforts all the way,” he said.

Tickets are $60 each ($30 tax deductible) and include food and beverage during intermission. Doors open at 6 pm and the show starts at 7 pm. No-host cocktails will be available from 6 pm to 7 pm, proceeds to benefit the parish.

Only a limited number of seats will be sold in order to provide adequate room for everyone to enjoy the festivities at intermission. Purchase tickets at the Arkley Center Box Office, Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, and one hour before show time. Or call 707-442-1956 or visit http://arkleycenter.com.

CONTACTS:

Church Questions
Loren Allen, Pastor
Saint Bernard Church
707-442-6466
stbernardparish@sbcglobal.net
Or
Debbie David, Pastoral Council
Saint Bernard Church
707-443-1143
doubledad9@aol.com

Event Questions
Amber Vogel, Theatre Manager
Arkley Center for the Performing Arts
707-442-1956
avogel@arkleycenter.com

When/where: