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Float entries sought for Mardi Gras parade

It may not be as big as New Orleans, but the third annual Meadowcroft Wines’ Mardi Gras celebration is expanding its Second Line Parade to include “floats” from throughout the area. 

  Schools, shops, groups, organizations and nonprofits are invited to enter their mini-Mardi Gras floats and join the parade on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 12:30 p.m. – to be led by Petaluma’s Rhythmtown Jive band.

  “We always kick off the celebration with a Second Line Parade through the gardens and shops at Cornerstone Sonoma,” said Tom Meadowcroft, winemaker and owner of Meadowcroft Wines.  “This year, we are expanding the parade to include much more participation from the Cornerstone merchants as well as the community.”

  Meadowcroft Wines will offer three prizes for the best mini-float entries.

  Each float must be no larger than 36-inches wide by 48-inches high and 48-inches long. Each float must be on wheels, preferably a wagon, garden cart or wheelbarrow. Each entry must have an adult to pull the float along the parade route, and each entrant must bring Mardi Gras beads for throwing on the parade route. 

  All entry forms (which may be found at meadowcroftwines.com or by calling the tasting room 934-4090) must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 1, to Meadowcroft Wines at 23574 Arnold Drive, Sonoma; faxed at 934-4098 or emailed to Phyllis@meadowcroftwines.com.

  Judging of the floats will take place between 11 a.m. and noon on Feb. 9 at the Meadowcroft tasting room at Cornerstone Sonoma.

  Each entry will be judged on creativity, originality and content (team spirit is a plus). The parade begins after the judging.

  The first prize winner will receive two tickets to the Mardi Gras party, a $50 gift certificate to Café LaHaye and see their float lead the parade. Second prize includes two tickets to the Mardi Gras party and a $25 gift certificate to the Girl and the Fig restaurant in Sonoma. Third prize gets two tickets to the Mardi Gras party and a $15 gift certificate to Vella Cheese Company in Sonoma.

  For additional information, call 934-4090 or email Phyllis@meadowcroftwines.com.

Tickets to the third annual Meadowcroft Wines’ Mardi Gras Party $40 to $60 and can be reserved by calling 934-4090.