Kim McMahill

February is jam packed with special days, especially when you consider it’s the shortest month. Here’s what’s on tap. February 2 – Groundhog’s Day February 3 – Feed the Birds Day February 4 – Super Bowl Sunday February 12 – Lincoln’s Birthday February 13 – Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday February 14 – Ash Wednesday February 14 – Valentine’s Day February 15 – Singles Awareness Day February 16 – Chinese New Years February 19 – President’s Day February 22 – Washington’s Birthday

Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday which will be celebrated by many around the world on February 28. Fat Tuesday began as a celebration and an opportunity to eat whatever a person wants before the beginning of the long fasting season or Lenten season. The celebration has evolved into an exercise in excess with parades, over-indulging, and other festivities. America’s most famous Mardi Gras celebration occurs on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Although I doubt I’ll ever participate in this particular celebration I have enjoyed festivities on a smaller scale in many other locations and have seen the reminders of the event throughout New Orleans. How will you celebrate?