THOUSAND OAKS : Seniors Revel in Neighborhood Mardi Gras

As Marguerite Kasson watched the floats and listened to the music of Mardi Gras in Thousand Oaks on Tuesday, she recalled the time she was invited to New Orleans for the real festival in 1941.

“I bought my dresses and I was all excited, but the war got in the way and I couldn’t make it,” Kasson said. “I’m 81 years old and this is my first Mardi Gras.”

Kasson was one of about 200 senior citizens and their friends who celebrated the age-old festival of excess at the Castle Hill Retirement Village in Thousand Oaks.

The celebration, while on a smaller scale than its New Orleans counterpart, was quite close to authentic, according to its organizer, Donna Pierson.

Pierson, a native of New Orleans and an administrator at the senior village, began throwing the festival four years ago.

“Nobody knew what it was all about,” Pierson recalled. “I had to explain everything, but these folks caught on quick.”

At Tuesday’s event, the participants waved traditional Mardi Gras signs, threw beads in the street and danced to Cajun music, Pierson said.

“We even had a resident who was a Hollywood costume designer help people with their outfits,” she said. “It’s really a wonderful reproduction.”

Those familiar with the event seemed to agree.

“I think it’s great,” said Tina Kuehl, a Calabasas resident who traveled to Thousand Oaks so her two children could get a taste of the carnival. “I’m from south of New Orleans and it’s great to have something like this to remind me of home.”

Even those who knew little about Mardi Gras enjoyed the event, which is planned and run by the 80-person staff of the senior village.

“It’s a great way to spend a sunny afternoon,” said Bobbie Palmer, 70, who moved into the neighborhood in December. “It gives these folks a chance to laugh and be silly.” Added Kasson: “It’s a wonderful time, although the music is a little loud.”