Event 2 Event, a local leader in corporate and special events design annually transforms the ballroom at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel into a spectacle fit for harness racing royalty for the O’Brien Awards Black Tie Gala

. This year, for the 2011 O’Brien Awards on Saturday, January 28, Event 2 Event will deck out the ballroom in a Mardi Gras Theme.

The traditional colours of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold representing merits of justice, power and faith. Feel free to dress boldly, sport a flashy glittered mask, or simply slip on some colourful beads. There might even be a few props around the O’Brien Awards that guests can try on!

Mardi Gras is a carnival celebration recognized across the globe. Translated literally, Mardi Gras means ‘Fat Tuesday’ and refers to the last night of festivity and eating luxuriantly before the somber fasting and religious obligations of the Lenten season. These days, it refers to weeks of celebration beginning on the twelfth night, January 6. Many countries that celebrate Mardi Gras, including Brazil, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden, and, of course, the city of New Orleans in the United States, do so with elaborate street festivals and parades, masquerade balls, music, beads and doubloon throws, dancing, and outlandish costume parties. The vivid celebration has become a spectacular tourist phenomenon.

Much in line with a common Mardi Gras motto, “laissez les bons temps rouler,” or, “let the good times roll,” the much anticipated O’Brien Awards proceedings will be glamorously framed with dashes of sequenced & feathered masks, rich purple and gold décor, and, of course, an abundance of playful beads!

All of this year’s O’Brien Awards honoured guests are encouraged to embrace the merriment of this year’s Mardi Gras theme.