‘Mardi Gras in Mingo’

MINGO —When the 10 members of the Mingo Days planning committee met in February to begin piecing together the 2017 town festival, the group decided to pull the town of 302 out of the “Totally Awesome 80s” and into Mardi Gras.

Mingo Days committee member Theresa Maher said there is a lot new to look forward to Thursday through Sunday at Mingo Days 2017: “Mardi Gras in Mingo.”

Part of the new is a shift to a Friday night parade and supper and the addition of adult games. Saturday, Colfax Mexican restaurant Cocina Hernandez will be making its Mingo debut serving food all day, including supper, from its new taco truck.

But plenty of tradition is returning to Mingo Days’ Mardi Gras celebration, too. Maher said the street dance featuring central Iowa rock band Around the Atom, the annual Mingo Days car show and Sunday’s softball challenge will all be coming back this weekend.

Also seeing a comeback Saturday is the Mingo Days 5k Run/Walk.

This year’s 5k will see a return to its original route featuring the Chichaqua Valley Trail, which goes through the middle of town. Volunteer Emily Perry said the run/walk is fully dedicated to fundraising for Mingo City Park.

“We are excited to continue our work on new playground equipment,” she said.

Maher said there is much more to serving on the planning committee than work.

“It’s rewarding — the family fun through your the weekend and hanging out with friends,” she said.

To find more information and see a full schedule of events visit Mingo Days Facebook group.

Contact Mike Mendenhall at mmendenhall@jaspercountytribune.com