By Louise Carpenter

What’s purple, green, gold and smiles all over? On Tuesday, February 9, the Jeanne Jugan Residence and Little Sisters of the Poor, in preparation for Ash Wednesday and the Lenten Season, celebrated Mardi Gras in full regalia with its residents, staff and Sisters all getting involved in the celebration.

It was quite the party and parade as residents from every floor came down “Bourbon Street” in costumes and floats that had been prepared in their free time in the weeks leading up to the big event. The Art Department had the residents busily creating hats and accessories for participants to don.

A King, Paul Caponigro, aged 102, and Queen, Genevieve Zarzecki, aged 100, were crowned and made a grand entrance into the room. Corsages for the royal couple were donated by Bostonian Florist.

The theme of the parade was “Things I Love” which ended up including boating, ice cream, and parties. The staff at Jeanne Jugan Residence got involved too with their own floats and themes including a Bouquet of Flowers, Vacations, Baking, Cooking, and Families.

A good time was had by all as a local DJ rocked the room. It was hard to believe that anyone in the room was considered “elderly,” as this parade seemed to bring out the kid in everyone. Kudos to Activities Director Gina Curley for organizing this great event.