Oui, merci

The Saints marched in and Mardi Gras will be big this year. You can even celebrate here in Sacramento. The Capitol City Mardi Gras Ball will be held Saturday, February 27. It’s an all-day affair to benefit Malachi’s Homes Center International, a support system for people in need. From 7 to 9 a.m. is a breakfast at Loaves & Fishes for people who are homeless. Then, a family celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Richard T. Conzelmann Community Center at Howe Park. It’s free admission, with face painting, music and Mardi Gras beads. Food, such as po’ boys (sandwiches), will cost extra. The big event is the Mardi Gras Ball from 7 to 11 p.m. “We plan for this event to help bring business to the city,” reports their spokesperson. “We’re going to have gumbo and jambalaya, dirty rice and bourbon meatballs. We’re going to do wine, champagne and our own New Orleans favorite, daiquiri. We’re known for daiquiris.” You’ll also find mini king cakes, pecan bars and beignet doughnuts. Buy tickets online at www.malachishomescenter.org.