FROM THE NEW JERSEY HERALD (Quincy News Papers)
February 24, 2006
By JESSICA SEDA
Herald Staff Writer
NEWTON -- Decorations, food and jazz music created a Southern scene along Spring Street on Thursday during what downtown merchants hope will become an annual Mardis Gras festival.
Business owners joined pedestrians in feathered masks, strands of multi-colored beads and costumes during the event organized by the Spring Street Merchants, a group formed last year to promote the town's local businesses.
"We heard a lot about New Orleans this year and thought it would be a good idea," said Don Meng, the group's chairman and owner of The Craft Creators.
Many store owners participated in the festivities, decorating their windows with Mardis Gras attire and offering samples of free food including gumbo, quesadillas and chocolate.
"Each store has something," Meng said as he passed out hot dogs in front of his business. "We'll also have music and a raffle set for 7:30."
Newton residents Pat Powers and Jane Hartmann dressed up for the event marking Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," a traditional day of indulgence before the start of fasting for the Christian season of Lent. Lent begins on Wednesday.
"We've been to New Orleans and really enjoyed it so we wanted to see what this was like," Hartmann said.
Jazz music played throughout the area and Classic Cuts was accepting donations to benefit the Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross. A dollar donation bought guests a key that might open a treasure chest inside the store filled with gift certificates.