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Opening Day"Opening Day" is a well-established tradition among yacht clubs, and usually marks the beginning of the club's annual boating season. For most yacht clubs, the ceremonies include invited dignitaries, a boat parade, a salute to the club's Commodore and a meal served at the Clubhouse for members and invited guests. The actual format for an "Opening Day" may vary as Individual yacht clubs tailor these events to their own unique situations. The London Bridge Yacht Club has chosen to combine its Opening Day with a fundraising event for local charities. The Club's houseboat, with invited guests aboard, is positioned in Thompson Bay as the boat parade circles around it, then heads through Bridgewater Channel and to the London Bridge, where the Club's Commodore is saluted. The boat parade is followed by a benefit dinner and dance, complete with both silent and live auctions, to benefit a local charity. The public is invited to participate in both the Boat Parade and the dinner and dance. The Club has chosen a "Mardi Gras" theme for our Opening Day celebration. This theme is reflected in the decorations aboard the boats and continues for the dinner later that evening. Opening Day celebrations are scheduled to occur each year on the second Saturday in March. History of Cajun Mardi GrasCenturies ago the Queen allowed the poor people to take one day a year to beg for food and doubloons (money). The day selected was the day before Ash Wednesday. The Cajuns (of French descent) called it Fat Tuesday and decided that if they were going to be allowed to beg, they did not want anyone to know who they were. Thus, the use of masks on Fat Tuesday began. Since the Cajuns had a basic dislike for authority, they decided to also poke fun at the Queen and began wearing pointed hats similar to the hat worn by the Queen. The clothes they wore were the only clothes they had at the time, and to us look similar to modern-day pajamas. To complete the idea of not being identified while begging, they also decided not to speak but to simply hold out their hand for money. Other than doubloons, a highly sought-after prize was a chicken, which they could use to make a pot of soup or stew. Today Mardi Gras is celebrated everywhere and in a variety of forms, with elaborate costumes and a custom of throwing beads to onlookers. For more about Cajun Mardi Gras check out the website listed on our "Related Links" page. Our Opening Day Mardi Gras Celebration
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