Michael Bushnell
Northeast News
Feb. 10, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Columbus Park’s Don Bosco Senior Center was the scene for the Northeast Chamber’s annual Mardi Gras Beads, Beans and Beer fundraiser last night and the crowd was a tad thinner this year over last.

The event is the chamber’s primary fundraiser and has grown exponentially over the years, outgrowing the previous venue, Mortelarro’s Askew Inn by a large number last year. While attendance was down this year, that didn’t dampen the spirits of attendees who enjoyed the sounds of a true Dixieland band and enjoyed some fine Cajun catering, courtesy of Becky Gripp’s Tamale Kitchen.

Mardi Gras which translates from the French, Fat Tuesday, signals the end of the Epiphany season and the beginning of the traditional forty days of Lent.