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Rev. Jim Fox appreciates the value fellowship has in a church community.

“You’ve got to do that every once in a while rather than just all the service and the work,” said Fox, a pastor at St. Michael Catholic Church. “That’s important, but there’s always some leisure time.”

On Friday, just days before the beginning of Lent, church members and the community will have a chance at some relaxing downtime during St. Michael’s annual Mardi Gras Party and Dinner.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. at the church, 678 School St.

Fox said the event will include dancing, casino games, door prizes and a costume contest.

“It’s just a nice party in the middle of winter, but traditionally it was Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, right before the 40 days of Lent started,” Fox said. “People needed to enjoy what they planned on giving up for a while.”

Fox said the dinner will consist of roast beef and potatoes, as well as a Southern dish.

Tickets cost $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under if purchased in advance from the parish office or at KS Kreations, 523 Yampa Ave. They can also be purchased at the door for $15 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under.

Fox said the event provides visitors with welcome relief from the doldrums of the winter season.

“I think winter’s usually still with us, so it’s a nice break from the routine of the cold,” Fox said. “Spring hasn’t arrived yet, so it’s a good time to get together and enjoy each others’ company.”

Last year, the church used the event as a fundraiser for a youth group mission project, but this year the money is going solely to paying for the cost of the event, Fox said.

“Usually we just try to break even for the sake of getting together and having a nice time together,” he said.

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