By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
Mayor Ronnie and other local leaders often find themselves in situations where they are meeting themselves coming and going while trying to be in three places at once for various events which are all important to the quality of life in Athens-Limestone County. “It’s growing pains,” he said with a chuckle. We wondered aloud and in jest if the solution would be to have some kind of cosmic calendar upon which everyone would put their events so folks don’t get triple-booked. “People are energized, and that’s a good thing. Having so many choices and activities is a sign of a strong community,” he said.
One such activity that is in the works is a replacement for Poke Sallet Follies, which was disbanded during COVID after decades of being a major source of fun for the community. Leaders and town folk alike would participate in all manner of skits. Funds were raised largely for senior activities. It sold out regularly and was a yearly highlight of life in Athens-Limestone County. Stay tuned for updates as plans and activities become solidified.
We moved on to the topic of Mardi Gras, better known as Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras day is traditionally the last day to party before Ash Wednesday which begins the season of Lent, a time of prayer and fasting leading up to Easter. On Mardi Gras day, February 17, is when we will have our “small-but-mighty” Mardi Gras parade around the Courthouse Square, and all for a good cause. “Laissez les bon temps rouler,” French for “Let the good times roll,” is being slightly remodeled this year with the idea of “cans rolling” into the hands of those who need canned food. It is “Let the good cans roll,” and is a “Parade With A Purpose.” The canned goods will benefit our Community Table.
Our parade is going to consist of decorated shopping carts and other wagons, and of course, there will be beads and, hopefully, delicious king cakes. The history of king cake is that Baby Jesus is the treasure you find baked into a cake decorated with the traditional colors of purple, green, and gold. The gold stands for power, the purple for royalty, and the green for faith. For those who don’t know, the custom of celebrating Mardi Gras was brought to America by French Catholic explorers who held the first Mardi Gras celebration at a place they named Pointe du Mardi Gras, about 60 miles west of New Orleans. New Orleans and Mobile have the most famous Mardi Gras celebrations with numerous parades over several weeks. The fun custom has spread across other parts of the U. S. including our city. So why not join in the festivities as our celebration will include food trucks, music, masks, face painting, and more. The three sponsoring agencies are Athens State University, Athens Utilities, and City of Athens Gas Department.
Last of all, it is hard to believe that it is almost time once again for the mayor’s annual State of the City address. It will be held on March 10 at 8 a.m. at the Veterans Museum, and breakfast will be served. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, it is a good way to be brought up to speed about where Athens has been, is currently, and where it is going.
There was only one thing left to do, and that was to pray. So, we did, and then it was time for Ronnie to roll.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
