Polson Boys & Girls Club celebrates Mardi Gras
Kim Schmidt photo
Children with the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County in Polson used music and decorations to celebrate culture last month.
Kim Schmidt photo
Children with the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County in Polson used music and decorations to celebrate culture last month.
Kim Schmidt photo
Decorations included a 15-foot dragon.
Kim Schmidt photo
Decorations included a 15-foot dragon.
Kim Schmidt photo
The Dick Bratton bagpipers joined the festivities.
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POLSON — The Mardi Gras parade at the new Polson Boys and Girls Club featured a 15-foot, flying red dragon fashioned out of cardboard boxes, wire, tape and red paint.
It had moving wings, blinking eyes and a “fire” breathing snout. Trumpeter Joe Martinez accompanied three of Dick Bratton’s bagpipers, while up to 75 kids, (six-year-olds to teenagers), followed behind.
The children, festooned with plastic beads, sparkly and some spooky handmade masks, joined bagpipers by banging on noisemakers. “Oh When The Saints Go Marching In” rang through the rafters of the common room of the center.
A high point was when a tiny first-grader tugged on tall John Hamilton’s Scottish greatcoat and bade him bend down, whereupon she gave him a hug — to much applause.
The dragon now lives on the ceiling of the Teen Center. Our thanks to all the musicians, volunteers and generous donors who made the new Polson Boys and Girls Club happen. It is truly a gift.
