Mayor Becky Ames and BYC director Lynn Huckaby enjoy Senior Mardi Gras.
The Best Years Center invites seniors age 55 and older to its signature annual event: “Celebrating Seniors Mardi Gras Style”. This popular, daylong festival features entertainment, food, shopping, educational seminars, and more. Senior Mardi Gras will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Beaumont Civic Center. Admission is free. A weekend of tours and shows are individually priced. Weekend passes are available for $75.
DAY ONE: THURSDAY, Feb. 27, 2014
Senior Mardi Gras | 10 a.m. 2 p.m. | Beaumont Civic Center | 701 Main St. | FREE
The annual “Celebrating Seniors Mardi Style 2014” will be held at the Beaumont Civic Center. This popular annual event features more than 80 senior-friendly vendors, foods samples, and entertainment!
Variety Show at the Event Centre | 4:30-8 p.m. | 700 Crockett St. | ADMISSION: $10
Join us for a sing along, variety show, and gospel finale at the Event Center. Following the close of our Celebrating Seniors Mardi Gras Style, there will be a brief intermission in activities. Attendees can enjoy downtown venues such as the Art Museum, Energy Museum, Texas Fire Museum, Tyrrell Historical Library, Main Library, or Riverfront Park. Beginning at 4:30 p.m., food trucks will open for business near the Event Center. At 5:30 p.m., the concert will begin with Jay Cantu from the Liberty Opry, followed by a dulcimer group, followed by the very popular Master’s Men from Silsbee.
DAY TWO: Friday, Feb. 28, 2014
Faith Tour and Restaurant Tasting | 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Cost: $30
Tour starts at Market Basket at 3959 Phelan Blvd. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how different denominations approach transformation, re-dedication, or revival. Stops include Saint Michael’s Orthodox Church, First Christian Church, Temple Emanuel, and Saint Anthony Basilica. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to sample from six restaurants on the route. A full lunch break at around 12:30 p.m. will be on your own at Westmont Shopping Center. Many choices for lunch are under $10.
DAY THREE: Saturday, March 1, 2014
Mardi Gras Parade and Cultural Tour | 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Cost: $45, including lunch (Limit 90) | Best Years Senior Center, 780 S. Fourth St.
The day begins with a bus tour of historic Magnolia Cemetery, located at 2291 Pine St. Enjoy art, history and cultural connections at this important Beaumont landmark. The tour continues with a history-based trip through Orange, touring First Presbyterian Church, a landmark Italian marble and Texas granite structure with stained glass windows bought at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Lunch is at Beau Reve in Groves. This 114-year-old home features a view of the Neches River. The restaurant offers a lunch buffet. Lunch is included in your $75 Weekend Pass. After lunch, the tour proceeds to Port Arthur for some tailgating (snacks available for purchase) in advance of the city’s Mardi Gras parade. The Motorcycle parade will start at 5:30 p.m. and the main parade begins at 6 p.m. The bus will return to the Best Years Center approximately 8 p.m.