Eagle's Trace Residents Get Head Start on Mardi Gras

HOUSTON, TX---It's never too early for a party, especially when it comes to Mardi Gras.
Over eighty residents of Eagle's Trace, the Erickson Living retirement community in West Houston, got a jump start on people of all ages by enjoying a 2013 Mardi Gras celebration on February 10th.
A true Mardi Gras event starts with generous helpings of Creole food, and the Catering Department at Eagle's Trace delivered.  The menu featured chicken and sausage jambalaya with steamed rice, crawfish balls and shrimp remoluade, a New Orleans staple.  Appetizers included Cajun chicken poppers, sweet and Jalapeno cornbread, all topped with "King Cake" for dessert.
A complete Mardi Gras has plenty of music and dancing, and Houston-based "Gumbo, the Band" provided entertainment fit for Bourbon Street.  Residents danced to a mix of jazz, blues and a little Zydeco, Creole music that evolved in nineteenth century Southwest Louisiana.
And in a time-honored tradition, Eagle's Trace resident Marion Barnes and his friend Marie Adams were named "King and Queen" of Mardi Gras.
Having resided in New Orleans for over seventeen years while working for Southern Railway (now Norfolk Southern Railway), Mr. Barnes knows a good party when he sees one. 
"I attended numerous Mardi Gras festivities in the heart of New Orleans," described Mr. Barnes.  "This was my first party at Eagle's Trace, and it was outstanding.  It's so fun to enjoy good food and dancing with friends."
And what is it like to be the "King?"
"I've taken some friendly ribbing, but it's worth it," said Mr. Barnes.  "I say live large and enjoy life."

PHOTO CAPTION: Marion Barnes (left), a resident of Eagle's Trace retirement community in West Houston, enjoys the spotlight with his friend, Marie Adams.  The two were named "King and Queen" of Mardi Gras at a party at Eagle's Trace on February 10th.  (Photo by Tina Felps)
About Eagle's Trace: Eagle's Trace, managed and developed by Erickson Living, is a retirement community that provides worry-free living for America's seniors-the country's fastest growing population segment.  Erickson Living's financial value and predictable monthly service fees provide residents across the country financial peace of mind.  Comprehensive health and wellness services, integrated into our continuum of care, lead to demonstrated resident benefits.  A robust complement of resident programs and facilities promote an engaged, fulfilling lifestyle that is reflected in resident satisfaction levels that exceed the industry average.  For more information, please visit www.ericksonliving.com.

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