Rotary Club of Madison presented Parrots of the Caribbean on Aug. 23 at The Barn, 58 Martin St. Rotarians in their island regalia are Amy Patel, front from left, Dianne Reynolds, Pat Cross, Roger Cross, and Marc Jacobson, back from left, 2014 Parrots chairman Debbie Overcash and Jim Reynolds. (RECORD PHOTO/NICK SELLERS)

MADISON – Neither sweltering heat nor distant lightning could faze the crowd enjoying the twelfth annual Parrots of the Caribbean on Aug. 23, sponsored by Rotary Club of Madison.

Luckily, thunderstorms dissipated into an island breeze for the Madison Rotarians’ major fundraiser.

“Rotary Club of Madison is thrilled with the greatly increased support of our generous sponsors and the huge crowd that joined the party,” 2014 event chairperson Debbie Overcash said. “Even a brief pop-up storm couldn’t rain on this parade as ‘partiers’ pulled out umbrellas and weathered the storm.”

Greeting guests under tiki torches, president Steve Croomes and Madison Police Chief Larry Muncey welcomed guests entering The Barn. Rotarian Martin Folgmann has renovated The Barn handsomely while retaining its rustic structure.

“A new layout optimized every inch of The Barn and received high praises from guests,” Overcash said. The Barn’s side porch gave a bandstand for jamming dance music by The Zooks and Four on the Floor.

Bidders enthusiastically vied for 30-something raffle baskets, ranging from a clay pot with gardening supplies, “Pool Party” goodies and Roll Tide/War Eagle themes.

Facilities chairman John Allen has attended all 12 ‘Parrots.’ He admitted setup work is hot and exhausting, but “the event is truly representative of our club’s spirit.”

“Parrots brings our club membership together in a way that cannot be done with smaller events,” Allen said. “We really coalesce as a group. The funds generated help us change lives (with) Rotary’s motto, ‘Service above self.'”

“Many may see Parrots as just a big outdoor party. However, the work we do (with event funds) is multiplied tenfold when we provide Thanksgiving for 30 families and install 100 eco-stoves in Honduras,” Allen said.

“Parrots 2014 is in the books as yet another huge success for Rotarians in support of our local and international charitable efforts,” Overcash said. “I was deeply honored to serve as Parrots chair this year and work alongside a dynamic group of Rotarians.”

“In our own unique way, Rotary Club of Madison makes the world a little bit better,” Allen said.

“See you at Parrots 2015,” Overcash said.