If you are looking to celebrate Mardi Gras, Aiken is the place to be this weekend. Saturday, February 12, the Aiken Downtown Development Association is offering Cajun cuisine, craft beer, live music, and a parade. Can you say Laissez les bons temps rouler?
In New Orleans, Mardi Gras is celebrated between February 23 and March 1. Aiken provides a jump start for revelers and businesses with their event this weekend.
Aren’t we all from New Orleans during Mardi Gras? After the past year, shouldn’t we all find a reason to celebrate?
The answer is a resounding yes for Martha Wise, owner of White Rose Eclectics, and one of the sponsors of the event.
“This is a great opportunity for our business and any other located near the Alley and Aiken Brew Pub,” Martha told us, “Starting a bit earlier, at 4:00 pm, is great for all the businesses, including ours that are still open.”
Some retail businesses have struggled in the past year or so because of COVID, mask-makers included.
This time, masks are not optional but a “must” to properly celebrate the Mardi Gras festivities and Martha’s shop is ready. These masks don’t look like N95s, these are for partying. Martha hand decorates each one so your Mardi Gras look will be unique.
“I’ve been doing embellishing for years. Hats, handbags, and now masks. That kind of creativity sort of runs in my family.”
The name of her shop, White Rose Eclectics, combines her love for her mother, Rosa, who passed away, a white rose which means your mother has passed, and her love for antiques.
“We are excited to sponsor this event, provide masks for the Mardi Gras event, and hopefully introduce those who attend to our unique offerings including artisan jewelry, women’s clothing, and unique gift items.”
If you are ready to celebrate Mardi Gras, you don’t have to be part of a Krewe, but a mask would be great because, unlike the past two years, this time wearing one is part of the celebration!
For more information on the event, visit Aiken Downtown Development Association.
If you need a mask for the Mardi Gras parade, you can contact Martha Wise at White Rose Eclectics, or call 803-724-7285.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
