Residents of Golden Age nursing home rounded out Mardi Gras season with a Fat Tuesday celebration that had residents dancing and singing.
Around 25 residents enjoyed festivities in the lobby Tuesday afternoon, which began with an introduction by Clemmie Brown Cleveland and the passage of royalty from last year’s Mardi Gras court to this year’s.
Thairdy Wiggins, 2022 King of Mardi Gras, passed his crown to Lloyd Aust, who was crowned king last week. Ruth Scurlock, 2023 Queen of Mardi Gras, received her crown from the staff.
Residents adorned themselves with beads and enjoyed king cake in a traditional celebration of the Mardi Gras season.
“We join in the New Orleans culture with our own style celebration. ... We’re here to celebrate Mardi Gras simply because it’s something we can celebrate,” Cleveland said.
After the guests had finished their king cake, which was served with festive punch, they had the opportunity to be entertained by Daniel Splaingard.
“Sing along if you know them,” Splaingard told the audience before crooning the opening bars of Hank Williams’ “Hey Good Lookin.’” The audience joined in on the chorus, setting a cheerful tone for the rest of the celebration.
Residents belted the words to The Temptations’ “My Girl” and accompanied Splaingard on Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay.”
Tuesday’s celebration, Golden Age’s 44th Annual Mardi Gras celebration, rounded out a season of Mardi Gras festivities including a champagne party and photo session earlier in the month.
Beverly Wilson, who chaired the event, said the celebration is a way to include residents in what is going on in the world outside of Golden Age.
“A lot of residents read the paper and keep up with what’s going on,” she said.
Cleveland echoed Wilson’s sentiments: “This just keeps their energy and focus on the world. It entertains and encourages them and lets them see they can be part of the world even though they’re in Golden Age. The world is still going on, and life is still good.”
- Contact Katherine Parker at 662-581-7239 or kparker@gwcommonwealth.com.
