Published: 3/13/2011 - Updated: 2 years ago

On the Town: Mardi Gras great reason to have a party

BY BARBARA HENDEL
BLADE SOCIETY COLUMNIST

Scott Schell and Wendy Kromer-Schell, left, join Sharon and Michael Sordyl to celebrate Mardi Gras. PROVIDED TO THE BLADE Enlarge | Buy This Photo

Fat Tuesday came and went last week, and a great time was had by all, especially those who dined on paczki and are certain to be on a diet today.

Mmichael and Sharon Sordyl hosted their annual Mardi Gras party Tuesday, and it was a full house. The decor was a delight with purple, green, and gold beads and feathers everywhere, setting the festive scene.

Rick and Annie Strause wore masks they purchased in Venice for the party. PROVIDED TO THE BLADE Enlarge | Buy This Photo

But it was the homemade food prepared by Mr. Sordyl that was the big draw: turtle soup, shrimp and ham jambalaya, chicken and sausage jambalaya, shrimp with mustard remoulade sauce, crawfish etouffee, jalapeno and cheese rolls, black muffins, cornbread, and pecan pie with vanilla ice cream.

The German American Festival Society hosted its annual Mardi Gras party Saturday night at Oak Shade Grove Hall.

Tom and Traci Schwann enjoy the festivities at the Sordyls' party. PROVIDED TO THE BLADE Enlarge | Buy This Photo

In German and Swiss traditions, Mardi Gras, sometimes called the season of fools, is the one time of the year that even staid citizens allow themselves to cut loose a little, according to Ken and Fran Cahoo, event chairmen.

Presiding over the evening of merriment were Prinz Dave Hoffman and Prinzessin Nancy Pinketure. They entered the room in a procession that featured the royal court and other dignitaries. A masquerade parade took place later.

The German American Festival Society celebrated with a royal procession where the Mardi Gras key was presented to the Prinz Dave Hoffman and Prinzessin Nancy Pinketure. PROVIDED TO THE BLADE Enlarge | Buy This Photo

About 200 revelers enjoyed the night, which included entertainment from the Bedford Dance Academy, the Bavarian Sports Club Schuplattlers Dancers, and the Alpen Echoes band from Cincinnati. German, American, and New Orleans-style food was available for purchase, along with a cash bar highlighting a traditional New Orleans drink called a hurricane.

The night still young, at 12:01 a.m. a Fasching Frühstuck (Carnival breakfast) was served.

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