Fete du Bon Vieux Temps (Festival of the Good Old Days) February 2, 2008

Fete Du Bon Vieux Temps

The 22nd Annual Fete du Bon Vieux Temps (Festival of the Good Old Days) will be held on Saturday, February 2,2008 at several historic sites in Cahokia, Illinois. The Fete is a colonial Mardi Gras with music and dancing reminiscent of the celebrations held by the area's French Settles more than 200 years ago. During the hours of 2pm to 5pm, multiple activities and demonstrations as well as tours will take place at the 1740 Cahokia Courthouse, 1790 Martin-Boismenue House, 1799 Holy Family Parish Log Church, and at the 1810 Jarrot Mansion. All interiors and walkways will be candlelit during event hours. The Colonial Mardi Gras Ball will be held from 7pm to 11pm at the Cahokia Knights of Columbus Hall located on Route 3 at 5th Street. Period dances to old-time fiddle tunes will be performed, including contra-dances, reels and waltzes. Attendees will participate in the traditional method of selected Mardi Gras royalty. All sites are located near Route 3 and Hwy 157 in Cahokia, Illinois. All activities from 2pm to 5pm are free and open to the public. Tickets are $10 per person to the 18th century Mardi Gras Ball to which all are invited. Period clothing is encouraged, but not required. Food and drink will be available for purchase on site. For additional information call 618/332.1782 from 9am to 5pm, Wednesday through Sunday.

Official Website: http://www.jarrotmansion.org/calendar/calendar.htm