The photo above is from the awesome photo booth from Heather Bohm Tallman from last year’s Hattie’s Mardi Gras party. I was one week from having baby Jack, and that photo doesn’t do my hugeness justice. I was MASSIVE. I was in that stage of pregnancy where everyone who talks to you asks if you are about to go into labor. I finally found the cake pops table and I pretty much declared it my own. No one wanted to go near the 9 months pregnant woman over sampling the cake pops with her shoes off.
However, even as a one person parade float, I had such a great time. That’s because there is something for everyone at the Hattie’s Mardi Gras party. Great food, great music, some incredible silent auction items, good friends, and so much fun. It is a perfect night out, and even better is that it raises money for a truly special local cause. Since Beth and Jasper Alexander started the fundraiser in 2001, the annual Mardi Gras event has raised over $250,000 for various charities including Shelters of Saratoga, Saratoga YMCA, Saratoga Hospital and Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar. This year the event will be raising money for the New York City Ballet here at SPAC. As I’ve said before, we really are so lucky to have the world class NYCB here in our own backyard, and I love supporting them. This year as an extra special bonus they will have eight ballet costumes generously loaned from NYCB’s collections, including an “Emeralds” principal costume from “Jewels” for party guests to check out.
Although it is short notice, I want to give one reader a FREE ticket (worth $100) to come party at the Mardi Gras Saturday night (starting at 6pm). I’m also going to throw in one raffle ticket (worth $20 each, tickets can also be purchased at the event) for the chance to win the brand new Toyota Prius with a 2-year lease, which includes 2 years of maintenance! The incredibly generous New Country Motor Car has given the gift this year of the first ever raffle for a brand new car and anyone can enter to win! You’ll have one chance from me, but if you DO win, you need to drive me around in that new car at least once.
This party is guaranteed to be a good time, it has the fun and comfortable atmosphere of Hattie’s itself, and Garland Nelson and Soul Session are ALWAYS great. To enter to win the ticket AND the raffle ticket just comment below on why you love Hattie’s, the NYC Ballet at SPAC, or just why you NEED a night out! I will notify the randomly chosen winner later today so you can have time to plan! Good luck, and I will see you at Mardi Gras! xoxo
***this giveaway is now closed, thanks so much to everyone who entered!***
i love it all! Used to be single in Saratoga about a thousand years ago. Now two kids later I look forward to any reason to get up there!
I could so use this… And I am single! … And that is good, cause no one stares at me when I pick up my Hattie’s with my hands a devour !
As a former dancer (not professional but it was my dream) I LOVE dance! And I Love That we are fortunate enough to be the summer home of the Saratoga City Ballet! I Love that my kids can be exposed and experience the ballet locally. Dance continues to a part of my soul!
What’s a Hattie? I’ve only lived here a couple of years so I’m always eager to check out the area happenings. It never ceases to amaze me just how many there are! & what mom doesn’t need a night out?
This is a wonderful event that Chip and I have attended for a few years now. We haven’t bought our tix yet…maybe we’ll only have to buy one now!
Hoping its me so Tina and I can get a much needed date nigjt
As a mom of 2, one with special needs, I feel like it has been ages since I have any time out of my own. My entire family loves Hattie’s, the food as well as the history. Being out of work, I know I could never afford to go to this, but would love a chance to attend!
Hattie’s fried chicken makes my mouth water just thinking about it!! And who doesn’t love the NYC ballet? I have spent many nights and afternoons on the SPAC lawn with my mom and both my girls! I would SO love to attend this event:)!!
I Mom of four, three are middle schoolers — need I say more? Calgon, take me away!
I LOOOOOVE the NYC ballet at SPAC. They are amazing to see live and it has given me the opportunity to introduce my niece to the ballet. It is absolutely amazing.
I LOVE Hattie’s for many reasons! I am from the south and Hattie’s is the closet thing to southern food I can get! But in e summertime I love getting the the Best Mojitios at Hattie’s! Seoncdly, I am just a big fan of SPAC! The New York City Ballet is amazing and is very education for the kids.
Lastly, oh how I Desperatley Need a night out!!!! I do not know when I have a night! I a say this being very serious! It has been 6 months or longer! I AM A VERY DESPERATE MOM!!!!! I have had a sick little kid and I need to get out. Please and thank you!
The beignets, which are as close to Cafe du Monde as Upstate can get. And the grilled chicken sandwich with slaw….
I’ve never been to this event but it sounds super fun!! I’m a busy mother of two who could use a night out!!
I’ve just recently gone through some real tough times and could definitely use a night out, dress up and to feel good about myself again! Thank you
Love Hatties…………first date with my husband on the back patio…..SPAC ballet are special “Mommy/daughter” dates……….and those are about the only dates I go on, witwith one or all of my 3 kids so would LOVE & APPRECIATE an evening out with my husband!!
I haven’t done anything for myself in years! Would be a great chance to get out and escape motherhood!
Love living in a place with a small town vibe and big city entertainment! I don’t think people realize how great we have it… SPAC and the NYC Ballet… So much to do around here and you can still walk Dow. The street and be surrounded by friendly faces and probably run into someone you know!
What a fun event and a great giveaway! Count me in!
I would love to be able to come to the Mardi Gras Party! My husband and I have had many GREAT meals at Hattie’s.Their resturant is always a fun time,I can’t imagine this gala.It must be over the top..
My husband has been stressed all week– a night out is the perfect medicine!
Sounds like the perfect night out.
1) I LOVE Hattie’s b/c never before in my life have I had such succulent fried chicken….it always hits the spot!
2) I grew up going to the NYC Ballet at SPAC with my Mom, sister, cousin, and Aunt…my Mom and Aunt were ballet dancers and I remember trying on my Mom’s ballet slippers pretending to be a graceful ballerina. Going to the ballet with my Mom, picturing her on the stage, and sipping on the “pink ballerina” smoothies are some of my favorite memories that I will cherish forever. Now, I continue to go to the ballet and the ballet gala is one of the best events to kick off the summer!
3) I could REALLY use a night out! But who can’t nowadays? I’ve been stressed to the max lately … starting my job next week (eek!)…anyways, a night out would surely do my soul good!
Would love to be able to attend this event to support one of my closest friends who donates so much of her time to charity work including the action council for SPAC. I would love to buy another ticket for my husband and enjoy a great night out (and break) from our three boys
Awesome party!
This would be a great night out to celebrate my brand new job!
Would love to go, could really use the night out!
I didn’t think I liked fried chicken. Until I tried Hattie’s. Turns out, I just didn’t care for my moms….ooops, don’t tell her!
n or not. My better half talked me into going. I knew there was a reason I married her