Mardi Gras Madness
Little Sisters of the Poor celebrate Fat Tuesday

Wayne Anderson and Ann Scoonhagen are presented to their court as Mardi Gras king and queen at Little Sisters of the Poor on Fat Tuesday. (Photo by John A. Bowersmith/Independent)

Staff Report

GALLUP — Nola Mae Oceanrider sat at the head of one of two tables full of Little Sisters of the Poor residents who were celebrating Mardi Gras on Tuesday afternoon.

The 102-year-old woman has participated in the event annually since she moved into the home more than four years ago.

Each resident wore a hat adorned with flowers and beads or a gold crown as they snacked on waffles, ice cream and popcorn provided by the home's volunteers.

"It's a celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday," Little Sisters of the Poor administrator Sister Mary Thomas said. "It's an important time for the Catholic Church."

Each of the 50 residents had the option of personalizing his or her own Mardi Gras mask on Monday inside the home's craft room.

The florescent-colored masks were decorated with sequins and beads.

Residents also danced to Cajun music, played musical chairs and other games in celebration of the holiday.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Wayne Anderson and Ann Scoonhagen were crowned as the king and queen of the Little Sisters of the Poor Mardi Gras. Sister Mary Thomas said volunteers coordinate the event each year as something special for residents and leading up to Ash Wednesday.

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, occurs the day before Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is the seventh Wednesday before Easter and the first day of Lent.

The Mardi Gras celebration is best known in New Orleans and is a carnival that includes parades, shows and parties.