START thinking about Family Mardi Gras 2025! The theme for next year is ‘Under the Sea’ and the event will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 4pm to 8pm.
There are lots of possible ideas for Parade Participants (floats, walking groups, etc) – think Nemo etc – so many movies! Think sharks and whales, think saving the ocean environment – so much scope for creativity!
Take this opportunity to raise funds for your organisation, and become a Fundraising Entrant. Raise money for your organisation’s special project and become a part of a festival of fun and entertainment in the main street of Maffra.
Any community group or organisation within Wellington Shire Council that has its own public liability insurance can put forward a Fundraising Entrant.
The culmination of the fund-raising period of six weeks in February-March 2025 is the Rotary Club of Maffra Mardi Gras family friendly, alcohol-free street festival and parade. Its primary purpose is to provide a fun day for families and the general public, with many free activities.
Fundraising Entrants will receive a sash and flowers at the end of the parade, when the community organisation which has raised the most money is announced as the winner.
Mardi Gras literally means ‘Fat Tuesday’. It was a medieval festival before Lent, when people ate fatty foods to give them strength throughout their 40 days of fasting. It developed into a carnival, with costumes and floats, and is still popular in Europe.
The Maffra Mardi Gras is the longest running event in Wellington Shire. It started in 1957 when a group of Maffra businessmen wanted to raise money for the Maffra Hospital. The event was so successful that it was decided to continue the fundraiser the following year as the Maffra Mardi Gras.
Since the start, organisations entering the Mardi Gras have raised over $4 million dollars for the community. The small percentage taken by Maffra Rotary is returned to the community through its support of local organisations. The Club is currently looking for projects that benefit the community in order to spend the funds raised at last year’s event – contact details below.
So, bring your organisation or club together by working towards a goal – fundraising and preparing a float for the parade. Being a Fundraising Entrant can help to develop leadership, confidence and life skills.
It can be a lot of fun, and is only as much work as you want it to be!
Contact Fundraising Entrant coordinator Melissa at melissamafframardigras@gmail.com
