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Above: Partiers at Matty Gras Parrothead Sunday, 2007

A great thanks to all who attended and volunteered at our 3rd annual “Parrothead Sundaze “ at Matty Gras Festival.

News reports indicate that the city’s biggest weekend festivals had low attendance due to the over abundance of rain, but our feathers were high and dry and we were having a great time safely under the huge tent at Matty Gras. We competed with Irish Fest, Zoo Ala Carte and several other major Parrothead events around the country and region last weekend; here are some of the highlights . . .

On Friday, Aug 17th, 17 of our members showed up to help park cars, greet guests and hand out postcards about our club and our big Sunday event. At least 30 of our members showed up Sunday with 19 as volunteers to help set up, work the booth, sell silent auctions and raffles tickets, promote our club and finally to help tear down at the end. Great Job and Thanks to all!

While all of this was going on we were treated to some great music all day! Opening shortly after noon, Caribbean Eclipse rocked the tent with their tropical and reggae renditions of all our favorites. True professionals with awesome steel drum sounds! This band is local, if you would like to be added to their mailing list for upcoming events, write to: rushtim@hotmail.com

Next Up, Pirates Over 40 once again gave us a great show with some of the best Buffett covers in the Midwest. They have performed two of our three years at Matty Gras and are better each time we see them. They even treated us to their version of Margaritaville – polka-style! This band hails from Rockford, IL. Check them out here: www.piratesover40.com

Closing us out with a trop-rockin’ variety of tunes that had everyone dancing, for the second year, Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band. These guys have so much energy and talent. They really got the crowd going with their infectious style. Thoroughly enjoyable as always! From the South Chicago area, check out their Midwest schedule here: www.beachbumband.com

The biggest news is that we raised just under $2,600 for our charity, Children’s Hospital! On behalf of all of the MAPA officers thank you to everyone who helped make this a success. Any event of this type takes a tremendous amount of work and we would like you to know that your efforts are greatly appreciated! A big thank you goes out to all those who donated items and gift baskets. There were even members who were unable to attend but took time to send such nice packages, which is what makes this such a great group of people!!

Also, many thanks to Matty and Jenny, owners of Matty’s Bar & Grille, for hosting us, paying for the bands, the sound equipment, the advertising, etc. Their generosity gives us a chance create a successful charitable event. Their proceeds from the overall weekend will benefit the Kidney Foundation. Open year round, check out events and drink specials and drop in for some delicious Cajun eats: www.mattysbar.com