GET OUT

Take your pick this weekend, there's a lot going on.  It's Mardi Gras baby!  Head down to Soulard, I've always wanted to go but this is one event I have never been to.  If you have, let me know your experience.  Did you get any beads?  How'd you get them???  They're celebrating Mardi Gras here in Columbia too, with a dinner dance at Turner Hall with Second Generation Swing providing the music to dance to.  Doors open at 5 p.m., Dinner at 6:30, dance at 8:30. Tickets are $20 per person and includes fried chicken, black beans and rice and King Cake with a cash bar.  The evening is being sponsored by the Celebration 2009 Committee of Columbia, celebrating their 150th anniversary this year.  Advance tickets can be purchased at Ron's Pharmacy, Conrad Press and Conrad Travel.  There's also a Chicken & Beer Dance at the Hecker Community Center Sat. night from 8 to midnight.  Music by Freefall (We went to this dance last year and had a great time and the band rocked).  Tickets are $12.50 in advance and $15 at the door.  For tickets call 61-473-2970.  Price includes music, free chicken, "draft" beer and "draft" soda.

Tomorrow Night the Van Dells are performing at The Falls, doors open at 6:00 p..m.  The Van-Dells is touted as the nation's #1 Rock and roll Review.  Cost is $55 per person and includes dinner, open bar and show.  Advance tickets are required so call 888-538-7778 to reserve yours.

There's also some shopping opportunities this weekend.  The Belleville Flea Market is Sat. and Sun. from 9 to 4 each day at The Belle Clair Fairgrounds in Belleville.  Free parking and free admission.  Asselmeier & May is holding a major Antique Estate Auction on Saturday at 9:30 a.m., previewing starts at 8:00 am.  The sale is held at the VFW Hall on Rt. 158 in Millstadt. For more info check out their website at www.amantiqueauctions.com.   Voss Brothers Action Auction will be holding a sale at noon Sunday, Feb. 22 at 5874 B Road in Valmeyer.  Sale includes tools, collectibles, household and other misc. items.

Have an Eventful Weekend!