Respite + Mardi Gras

Happiest Day in Dothan: Celebrating 10 Years of Mardi Gras Joy and Community Impact 
The city of Dothan is set to celebrate a major milestone as the KOK’s “Happiest Day in Dothan” Mardi Gras Parade marks its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, this vibrant
celebration has become much more than a parade—it has grown into a cherished tradition that unites the community in festivity and philanthropy.
The Krewes of the Mardi Gras Parade are not only known for their spirited revelry but also for their deep commitment to giving back. One shining example of this generosity is the annual Taste of the Krewes event, hosted every October by The Order of the Black Dress. This highly anticipated culinary competition brings together all the Mardi Gras Krewes, each vying for the coveted Golden Spoon while raising funds for meaningful causes. Over the past four years, the event has raised more than $30,000 for First United Methodist Church of Dothan’s Respite Care Ministry, a programdedicated to supporting families living with Alzheimer's and other dementias.
As a way of embracing the spirit of the season and contributing to this community-wide effort, participants in the Respite Care Ministry take part in a unique initiative: rebundling and recycling Mardi Gras beads. These individuals, all of whom are living with different forms of memory loss, have carefully prepared thousands of recycled bead bundles for the Queen’s float in this year’s parade. Their efforts not only support sustainability but also highlight the importance of inclusion, showing that everyone has a role to play in bringing joy to others.
For years, First United Methodist Church has served as a bead recycling drop-off location,
reinforcing the deep-rooted connection between Mardi Gras and the Dothan community. Respite Care participants take great pride in being included and in having the opportunity to give back in meaningful ways.
As we commemorate a decade of Mardi Gras in Dothan, we celebrate not just the spectacle of the parade, but the sense of unity, generosity, and purpose that it fosters. Mardi Gras in Dothan has become so much more than a single day of festivity—it is a symbol of what a community can achieve together.
Join us in making this 10th anniversary the most memorable yet, and witness firsthand how Mardi Gras in Dothan continues to bring joy, hope, and support to those who need it most.

For more information about the Happiest Day in Dothan Mardi Gras Parade or
the Respite Care Ministry, please contact:
Katie Holland - Executive Director of Respite Care Ministry and Rosemary House at FUMC Dothan
1380 West Main Street Dothan, AL 36301 katie@fumcdothan.org 334-793-3555