By Martin Martinson

BTEC set for annual Mardi Gras Magic Fundraiser

Jan 31, 2019 | 5:00 PM

The Battlefords Trade and Education Centre (BTEC) is having its annual Mardi Gras Magic Dinner, Dance and Silent Auction, Feb. 9.

Featuring catering and live music, the event will take place at the Don Ross Centre.

Jessica Bigknife, program co-ordinator for the event, said the idea for a Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser came about six years ago as a new and unique idea for the organization, to set them apart from other fundraisers in the region.

“We didn’t want something that was a bit of a duplication of someone else’s [event],” Bigknife said. “One of our staff actually goes to New Orleans, and she brought up Mardi Gras. It was very, very successful the first year, so we just kept it going.”

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Although the over-arching theme remains the same from previous years, the event itself continued to grow and develop. This will be the event’s seventh year.

Feb. 9 will mark the first year that BTEC will team up with another non-profit organization, donating half the proceeds raised from this year’s event to the Battlefords Humane Society.

“We’re changing our gears and we’re trying to help other non-profits in the community,” Bigknife said. We’re talking about each year. We’re going to try to partner with a different non-profit.”

Face painting and feather boas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Mardi Gras Magic. Submitted photo: Ronda Johnson

With about 200-250 people attending the Mardi Gras Magic festivities on an average yearly basis, the event that first began as a way to raise money for a new BTEC building years ago, has become a staple in the community calendar that continues to see tweaks here and there to keep things fresh. Last year the event began featuring a live band to compliment the fundraiser’s staples including dinner, a live auction, silent auction, raffles and dance to follow.

Danny and the Dusters, the local-area band that performed last year will return to take the stage once again this time around.

“[The band] seemed to resonate really well, so we hired them again for this year,” Bigknife said while also giving a sneak peek to what the future may hold. “We’ve also had talks about other local bands so we can get to where we support different local bands and people each year.”

Doors open at 5 p.m. with supper at 6 p.m. and the live auction and draws to follow.

As for why people should attend, Bigknife said the Mardi Gras themed fundraiser offers people of the Battlefords and area an opportunity to try something new, and have some fun, while also making a difference.

“I’d like to say it’s a lifetime experience,” Bigknife said. It’s just a really fun social event, and you’re giving back to your community. After a brief pause she continued with a laugh, “[People] should come to get out and have a great time in this horrible weather.”

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1