Mardi Gras Theme Brings New Twist to Affair With Flair

The Junior League of Wheeling presents Affair With Mardi Gras Flair at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Wheeling Artisan Center.

The proceeds from the event will support the Junior League’s programs, including “Girl on Fire,” a program for middle- and high-school-aged girls that strives to build confidence and self-esteem.

The organization’s annual fundraiser had been St. Patrick’s Day-themed for several years, but organizers wanted to bring new life to the event with a Mardi Gras theme this year. The event features food from the area restaurants, live entertainment and the chance to win thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes.

“We decided as an organization that a Mardi Gras-themed event would be a fun new spin on our signature event,” said Ashley Thornburg, league member and event co-chair. “We’re excited to see everyone in their masquerade flair, but the truly exciting thing about this event is that it supports programming that benefits women and children in our community.”

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This year’s grand prize raffle winner will win a fully customizable getaway adventure valued at $4,000. The winner will be assisted by UniGlobe Ohio Valley Travel to choose their vacation dates and destination-specific to their very own getaway.

The evening will feature live music from Jukebox and the New Age Adenas, complimentary beer and wine, as well as heavy hors d’oeuvres from a variety of local vendors, including Pickles Eatery and Bar, Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream, The Vagabond Kitchen, In the Mix Bakery, Oglebay, Mason Dixon BBQ, DeFelice, River City Restaurant, Longhorn Steakhouse, Ideal Provisions, Generations Restaurant & Pub, and Wheeling Brewing Company.

Affair With Mardi Gras Flair also will include various basket raffles, providing guests the chance to win amazing prizes such as concert tickets, a Generations beer party for 20 guests, a stay at the Omni William Penn Hotel, spa experiences and more.

Guests can participate in a BYOB raffle by bringing a bottle of alcohol or six-pack to the event, or by buying tickets for $10. The winner will be awarded the lot of alcohol.

This event is open to the public. Tickets, available online, are $30 ticket in advance and $35 at the door.