Visit the Big Easy in Mountain View Visit the Big Easy in Mountain View (February 11, 2005)

Mardi Gras event raises money for library

By Julie O'Shea

For those folks who didn't make it down to New Orleans for this year's Mardi Gras festivities, don't worry -- the Mountain View Library will be providing many of the comforts of the Big Easy on Saturday night.

This weekend marks the sixth annual Mountain View Library Foundation's Mardi Gras fund-raiser. Organizers hope to raise at least $9,000 for such programs as the library's "Author! Author!" series, "Babies and Books" and "Toddler Story Times."

Two live bands will be on hand, and there will be plenty of New Orleans-style hors d'oeuvres and Hurricanes (the Big Easy's most potent beverage) on tap.

Oh, and "we have beads," said Rosalind Bivings, vice president of the foundation's board of directors. "You won't have to flash anything for the beads."

The library foundation formed in 1995 to fund programs and services not covered by the city budget. For the past two years, the Mardi Gras event has raised $9,000 from a combination of ticket sales and silent auction proceeds. Things on the auction block this Saturday include a beach vacation, Warriors and Giants tickets and lunch with Mayor Matt Neely.

"We got lots of good stuff," Bivings said. "It's the greatest time of year."

Those who are so inclined are encouraged to dress in costume.

Although library services director Karen Burnett was "one of the sparkly people there" at last year's festivities, she said she hasn't decided if she will be dressing up for this year's event.

"It's a fun evening for the staff as well as the public," Burnett said. "I'm hoping to be toe-tapping to the music."

E-mail Julie O'Shea at joshea@mv-voice.com
Information

2005 Mountain View Mardi Gras Saturday, Feb. 12 from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $55 per person, $65 at the door For tickets, call the foundation at 526-7014.

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