Things You'll Need:
- Volunteers
- Participants
- Family members
- Interested community members
- Decorations
- Food
- Activities
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Step 1
Talk with participants about Mardi Gras. Ask them what they know about it. Keep a written record of the comments so that you can incorporate familiar ideas into the party.
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Step 2
Ask participants if they have ever celebrated Mardi Gras. Explain the roots of the celebration. Talk about Ash Wednesday, Lent, fasting and faith.
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Step 3
Play some Mardi Gras music. Ask participants what they think of it. Encourage participants to write poetry or stories or to create artwork inspired by the music.
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Step 4
Ask participants what they like best about Mardi Gras. Ask them to name one menu item they would like to have that day, and one activity they would like to do.
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Step 5
Get participants to make decorations for the party. Have them help place their decorations throughout the building.
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Step 6
When brainstorming ideas, do not reject any while the person is speaking. If you will not be able to do a particular thing, wait until later to say so. This will prevent people from clamming up for fear of saying something stupid.
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Step 1
Put an article in your newsletter about your upcoming Mardi Gras celebration. If your newsletter is only published monthly or less often, simply state that a party is being planned. Details can be given later.
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Step 2
Decide when and where to hold your event. Make sure the maximum number of participants will be able to attend that day. Call or send notes to anyone who would not usually attend on that day to see if arrangements can be made that would allow that person to attend.
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Step 3
Post flyers on your front door, at the front desk, and throughout your community to let people know about your event. Be sure to invite interested community members, case managers, family members and care providers to your event.
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Step 4
Solicit donations. Call local businesses and ask for donations of paper products, decorations, door prizes, food and cash. It may take a little courage, but the more you are able to include the community, the more likely you will be to get donations and find volunteers.
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Step 5
Make a list and check it twice, then check it again. Be sure that you have contacted all family members, interested community members, volunteers, case managers and other professionals. The more community involvement, the better.
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Step 1
Use your planning notes to decide what activities to have at your party. Some possibilities: listen to Cajun music, dance, have a parade, throw beads, make necklaces, play Mardi Gras bingo, etc.
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Step 2
Involve participants as much as possible in decorating, setting up the party room, cooking, serving the refreshments and choosing the music.
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Step 3
Keep things moving by having several activities available at once. Plan a few quiet activities for those who prefer a slower pace.
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Step 4
Plan a quiet corner away from activities for anyone who becomes agitated by all the activity. Allow those who are over stimulated to withdraw for a bit, then encourage them to rejoin the party.
