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Mardi Gras comes to Arts Center

The Inter-Mountain photo by Tim MacVean Senior Status Judge John Henning shares a dance with his wife, Mary Boyd, at the 2017 Arts Center Mardi Gras celebration Friday night

ELKINS — The Arts Center kicked off Mardi Gras in grand fashion by bringing close to 100 people out to celebrate the event.

Those in attendance Friday night were treated to a wide variety of Cajun-influenced cuisine, including gumbo and red beans with andouille.

Music was provided by opening act Seth Maynard, followed up by headliner Hybrid Soul Project, out of Charleston.

“The event was great, and everyone loved the band,” Arts Center Executive Director Kurt Barkley said. “We deeply appreciate the support the community gives to our events, and Friday’s crowd was a great indication of how much support we receive.”

Proceeds from the Mardi Gras event will go toward facility maintenance at the Arts Center.

The Inter-Mountain photo by Tim MacVean The Arts Center Volunteers Maggi Rhudy, left, and Susan Channell, right, share an embrace with a masked Diana Vera as they celebrate Friday night during the 2017 Arts Center Mardi Gras celebration.

“There are always ongoing infrastructure needs with a building that’s almost 100 years old, and our Mardi Gras fundraising efforts will certainly help with some of those projects,” Barkley said.

“With the continued support of our amazing community, we can keep the arts alive and flourishing in our county and region,” he continued.

Charlie Friddle III, chairman of the Arts Center Board of Directors, expressed his pleasure with the turnout for this year’s event.

“I am certainly appreciative and proud of the opportunity for us to host this event tonight. The turnout is exceptional. I think everybody is having a good time,” Friddle said. “We are raising money for the Arts Center, and it’s just a great evening so we appreciate everything.”

“We are very fortunate here in Randolph County being recognized as one of the art areas of the state and entire region,” he continued. “So, with the decline in funding for the arts, it’s critically important for us to support this type of activities so that we can continue to support a very vibrant arts community in Elkins and Randolph County.”

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