Who else besides an organization named the Pickled Mansfield Society would be the producer of the World’s Only Best Maid St. Paddy’s Pickle Parade & Palooza? After a highly successful 2012 debut, “Just Dill With It” is the theme of this year’s event set for Saturday in downtown Mansfield.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, the activities open with a 10K/5K/mile run followed by a festival and a parade and a slew of bands performing until 10 p.m.The Pickle Palooza Run begins at 11 a.m. at Katherine Rose Park. Register early at www.active.com or at 9 a.m. the day of. It will be followed by a downtown parade that rolls out at 2 p.m. and features floats, cars, Wheelie-ing Elvi, a “peck of Pickle Queens escorted by the Pickle Protectors,” an honorary St. Patrick and much more.The St. Paddy’s-style celebration continues after the parade with a pickle hunt for the kids, pickle-eating and pickle-juice-drinking contests, dancing Pickle Queens, a children’s area, a food court, green beer and three great live bands.The Trinity River Whalers perform at 3 p.m., the Party Crashers at 6 p.m. and the finale from Me and My Monkey band is around 8 p.m.Event organizers include Ann Smith, Delilah McMasters, Lisa Stewart, Coleen Daniell, Allen Daniell and Sheri Curb, who have worked for months making arrangements for the multifaceted festivities. “I can’t wait for the St. Paddy’s Day Pickle Parade and Palooza. It’s the greenest, pickliest, most family-friendly good time, so come on out and Just Dill With It,” said Stewart.Moonlight masqueradeThe mystique of the masquerade awaits guests at the Arlington Woman’s Club Moonlight and Magnolias Masquerade Ball on March 23 at the elegant club home at 1515 W. Abram St.The identities of costumed hostesses welcoming guests will be hidden behind artful masks as they usher their guests into the party. For partygoers, the masks and costumes are optional, but those who choose to experience the mystery behind the mask will no doubt enjoy the moment their own identity is revealed.Event spokeswoman Bettie McCord said the committee has planned a festive night of dining and dancing to live music performed by the Arlington High School Jazz Band under the direction of Nathan Harvey. A sumptuous Italian dinner will be catered by Prespa’s Restaurant. The veranda will be open for those who wish to dance under the moonlight.Committee members include Joan Rheinhart, Barbara Nash, Cissy Conley, Carole Armstrong, Jeanette Henderson, Jan Taborsky and Charlotte Balius.Proceeds from the gala will fund high school scholarships, and club member Joan Clements will present a short program about AWC’s extensive scholarship program with highlights about past recipients.The public is invited to attend, and tickets for $20 a person are available at the AWC office. Call 817-277-7666.Blue HawaiiThe inimitable voice of Elvis crooning Blue Hawaii as only he could perform it will create the atmosphere at the Hawaiian buffet dinner set for March 23 at the Family Life Center of North Davis Church of Christ at 1601 N. Davis Dr. benefiting the Arlington Life Shelter.Swaying palms, tropical flowers and Hawaiian leis await guests, along with live entertainment featuring Hawaiian folk music. Event chairwoman Lois Bacon and an enthusiastic committee have meticulously planned the evening of fun with a lot of special touches, including Polynesian guitarists positioned to welcome arriving guests.Silent auction chairwoman Joan Vitangeli has snagged some impressive items, including original art, tickets for Rangers and Cowboys games, horseback riding lessons, restaurant gift cards, crystal and glassware, trips, an autographed photo of Dirk Nowitzki and tickets to Colonial.Spokeswoman Pat Scott says, “Share with us an exceptional evening of joy that comes with supporting the homeless children of our community. The monies raised provide children at the shelter with scholarships for summer camps, field trips, mentoring, reading glasses, shoes and basic needs.”Tickets are $30 each. RSVP by Saturday by calling 817-277-6347.Upcoming concertsMark your calendar for the free spring concerts performed by Arlington Community Band.• 7 p.m. March 23 at Lamar High School• 7 p.m. April 14 at Trinity United Methodist Church, at 1200 W. Green Oaks Blvd.• 4 p.m. April 28 in the band shell at Veterans Park, 3600 W. Arkansas Lane• TBA May 4 at UT Arlington Irons Recital Hall, 700 Greek Row Drive.Under the direction of Rick Baker, the band will perform such numbers as The Star-Spangled Banner, Marche des Parachutistes Belges, Oklahoma, Mancini!, Candide Suite, Children’s March and Dance of the Tumblers.Call concert manager Velma Bogart at 817-467-0158 to inquire. Send your event news to freeder@arlingtoncitizen-journal.com and post them on our social media channels. To get started, “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/socialeyes.st and www.facebook.com/arlingtoncitizen-journal. Twitter: @FayeReederHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
