Lights! Camera! Action! United Way of Calvert County’s Mardi Gras celebration is Southern Maryland’s exclusive red carpet event, continuing to attract glamorous costumed revelers out to dance and dine the night away along the streets of New Orleans at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Live music by the Junkyard Saints…antics of jugglers, magicians and mimes…spellbinding belly dancers…gourmet Cajun and Creole cuisine from Maryland Country Caterers…elaborate King and Queen crowning ceremony…live and silent auction and Maerten’s jewelry raffle are all a part of the maelstrom of  magic and mayhem that is Mardi Gras.

    HOW IT BEGAN   
     What began in 2000 as a cocktail reception held in the Show Place Arena ballrooms to raise money for United Way of Calvert County’s capital campaign, has now evolved into a much anticipated annual fundraiser to benefit its Community Impact Fund, supporting local programs that are improving lives and making a difference. Longtime United Way supporters John and Diane Smith held the first title for Mardi Gras King and Queen. The following year three couples volunteered to compete for the title of King and Queen of Mardi Gras by raising the most funds to support United Way. In the years since, the candidate couples have led a frenzy of fundraising activities that have taken place during the months of campaigning for King and Queen, including silent auctions, motorcycle raffles, dinner/dances, bunco nights, and soccer tournaments to name a few. We have been very fortunate to gain valuable partners and board members from this lively group of community leaders.

    OUR PARTNERS
    United Way needs many partners to make Mardi Gras magic, and it has been the commitment and generosity of Maryland Country Caterers, The Show Place Arena, Marrick Properties, Chesapeake Beach Hotel and Spa/Rod n Reel Restaurant, Maerten’s Jewelry, Top Hat Party, Calverton School, and AdPro to name a few that have made the event such a success. Every year, our sponsors and supporters help us make strides with innovative ideas and better gifts, with the past 3 years seeing an average of 35% increase in revenues. In 2007, we made a tremendous leap by moving to the floor of the Show Place Arena and garnering $100,000 in net income. With the boundless joy of bringing Mardi Gras to life and the reward of supporting programs that bring positive change in our community, there is only one thing left to say…let the good times roll or as they say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bon temps rouler”.