The Friendship Force of Quad City, Iowa USA

Our glitzy evening began as colorful hand held, feather plumed masks, bright metallic fringed horns and other Mardi gras surprises greeted members, former members and guests upon arriving at Lavender Crest Winery, Colona, Iillinois, USA on Fat Tuesday, February 28, to celebrate our Quad City club's 25 years of being an active part of the world's largest cultural exchange program, Friendship Force International, and simultaneously joining all 366 clubs in 57 countries in celebrating World Friendship Day.

After signing in with Marilou Simpson, Mildred Hillard and Verla Wulf, guests enjoyed fortunes whispered by fortune teller, Laura Brown, moved on to have Arlene Vincent apply bright temporary hand-or-face Mardi gras tattoos, lined up to try their hand at the Where-in-the-World action game run by Gail Van Gundy (assisted by Shellie Mortensen) and smiled at the photo-op where they added their heads atop a colorful jolly jester cardboard cutout, artfully created by Theresa and Jim Stelk. Mid evening, everyone paused to Create-Your-Own-Meal at sumptuous buffet tables surrounded by tables of eight that had centerpieces of lighted candles in wine bottles on bright Mardi gras tablecloths.

In between the main course and dessert, a jubilant King Neptune, (aka club president, Don Simpson,) resplendent in crimson robe and jeweled crown, entered the front door and showered each table with lucky beads, coins, bright metallic streamers, candy, bracelets and good wishes for the coming year.

After everyone received these "gifts," the lights in the room were darkened as a surprise birthday/anniversary/Mardi gras cake, topped with sparkling candles and surrounded with glowing miniature lights, was wheeled in amid ohs and ahs from guests. The traditional good luck baby trinket was hidden within the cake to surprise one lucky guest, who turned out to be Bill Kimler -- and according to legend, he should enjoy immense good luck in the coming year! Club fouders, Mary Jeanne and Joe Blough, were then asked to ceremoniously cut the first pieces of cake as we fondly looked back over the past 25 years.

After announcements, the group sang, 'Let There be Peace on Earth,' and for a fnal surprise, as everyone was leaving, they were presented with their 'jester' photo that Jim Stelk had transferred to a postcard as a unique and lasting memento of the evening's celebration.

Soon to follow, and over time, photos that Harry Frick took will be published here.

Co-chairmen were Ramona Zude and Theresa Stelk.