Elder's Council Celebrates Mardi Gras

On Monday, March 3, Comanche Nation Elder’s Council held a Mardi Gras party at Watchetaker Hall.

The night began with hymns, birthday celebrations and a meal from Lil’ Darlin’s.

Afterward, there was a balloon game, a dance competition and a parade to close the night.

Comanche Nation Elder Council Chair Rosalind Asetamy said they chose Mardi Gras because the organization didn’t have a Valentine’s Day party.

“In preparation, we had the committee and volunteers go to the Elder Council office, and we made masks,” she said.

Asetamy said someone suggested they decorate Burger King crowns.

“That's what we made for the guys, but some of the women are wearing them, so that's fine,” she said. “But yeah, we had a lot of fun, a lot of fun making those, and there are really creative volunteers that did excellent jobs.”

Asetamy said it’s important for elders to go out and be active.

“And a lot of them don't have family that take their time out of their lives to, you know, go and help grandma,” she said. “And so, we plan these to get them out and to participate. Of course, not all of them will wear the mask, but that's fine. But they're here, and that's really our goal is to include them, have these little events. Kind of taking us back to childhood in a sense, but it's fun.”

This was also Asetamy’s first Mardi Gras.

“I've never attended a Mardi Gras, so this is my Mardi Gras first, but I know that today's weather has affected a lot of the elders,” she said. “My mother did not feel up to coming…and my hands are killing me from the, you know, arthritis. But we're here, and this takes our focus off our pain, and we can enjoy the evening.”

There were plenty of prizes as well for those who participated in the party.