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Lexington CASA Celebrates Mardi Gras

A local child advocacy group is holding a Mardi Gras themed fundraiser Friday night.   Reporter Chase Cavanaugh has the details.

Beads, king cake, and bourbon will be among the items at Lexington CASA’s latest fundraiser.  The organization, which provides advocates for abused and neglected children, wanted to remedy the lack of Mardi Gras themed events in Kentucky.  At the same time, Executive Director Melynda Jameson says they wanted to add some southern flair.

"We were looking to change up and come up with a fundraiser that was unique and different from what was already out there, so this is the first year for Bourbon and the Bayou," she said. 

The fundraiser will feature live music by Mercy Men, silent and live auctions, and bourbon tasting by several Kentucky distilleries (such as Four Roses and Buffalo Trace). The menu will combine Cajun recipes such as jambalaya and gumbo, with Kentucky dishes including cheese grits and bread pudding (with a Knetucky boubon sauce).  Jameson says some guests are particularly exited.

"We do know that several folks plan to have Mardi Gras masks.  They are not required, but they probably make it more fun, so feel free to bring those out and come ready to have a great time," she added.  

Bourbon and the Bayou takes place at 7:00 PM Friday in the Red Mile.  Tickets cost $100 for individuals or $175 for two.  All proceeds will go to support court-appointed special advocates, and additional information is available at the organization's website.

Chase Cavanaugh first got on the air as a volunteer reader for Central Kentucky Radio Eye, a local news service for the visually impaired. He began reporting for WUKY in February 2012, after receiving his Master’s degree from the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce.