Louisiana Saturday Night

Tickets are on sale for “Louisiana Saturday Night,” a Cajun-themed night of fabulous food and dancing on February 18 in Roxbury. “Louisiana Saturday Night” is a major fund-raiser for the MARK Project, a regional economic development agency. Ticket sales begin January 19 and are available by calling 845 586-3500. Last year’s event sold out in three days.

Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers will return and promise to have guests kicking off their shoes and dancing up a storm. These seasoned musicians from the region include: Greg Speck, vocals and accordions; Alek Speck, frottoir; Brian Egan, vocals and drums; James Rissacher, vocals and guitar; Ryan Dunham, Cajun vocals and harmonicas; Bill Lawrence, bass.

“Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers will make it impossible for your feet avoid the dance floor,” said smiling bandleader Greg Speck. The fourth annual event will be held at The Roxbury Arts Center and starts at 6 p.m. A mouthwatering Cajun/Creole Cooking Contest will also be part of the festive evening. Guests are invited to whip up their favorite Louisiana regional specialty for the cooking challenge. Prizes are awarded to the top three dishes, plus the best dessert. Entries are auctioned off to add a bit more competitive spice to the evening.

Guidelines for the contest are available by contacting MARK. Businesses and individuals can also inquire about becoming event sponsors. This year, one of the coveted judge’s seat for the cooking contest will be made available through an on-line bidding process prior to the event.

“The judge’s seat is a sought-after commodity and the top bidder will be richly rewarded with first tastings of an array of spectacular dishes,” promised MARK Executive Director Peg Ellsworth.

She reminded people to make reservations early.

“‘Louisiana Saturday Night’ has quickly become a tradition for many people. It’s a great time to break out of the winter doldrums and enjoy a night of great food, socializing and dancing. We encourage people to make reservations quickly to make sure they have an opportunity to attend,” Ms. Ellsworth added.

Tickets are $30 per person. For bookings of tables of eight or more, tickets are $25 each. Admission includes some super jambalaya with corn bread, music, soft drinks and camaraderie to warm up a brisk February evening. Visitors may BYOB.

For more than 30 years, MARK has provided housing programs, economic development and technical assistance services to the Towns of Andes, Middletown and Roxbury and the Villages of Fleischmanns and Margaretville and more recently the hamlet of Pine Hill and Town of Bovina. The MARK Project Inc. is a 501-c-3 not-for-profit, tax-exempt rural development company that unites efforts and secures resources to build and revitalize our communities.

For additional information, please call 845 586-3500 or visit: markproject.org