Rotary hosting 8th-annual ‘Parrots’

Steve Baum, Dianne Korb and Dennis Sanders, Rotary Club of Madison president, pose for a picture during the recent pre-Parrot’s party at the home of Tommy and Debbie Overcash.

The Rotary Club of Madison will host its 8th-annual Parrots of the Caribbean event Saturday, Aug 21, on the streets of the historic downtown.

The outdoor event, open only to those 21 and older, will feature live music by Four on the Floor, food, beer, wine and soft drinks. Steel drum musician Curtis Jordan will also provide musical entertainment to set the Caribbean mood.

The event will last from 6-11 p.m. at 58 Martin Street.

Attendees are encouraged to wear their Caribbean apparel, bring a blanket, lawn chair and photo ID.

“This is our main fundraiser of the year, and we want to create a fun, laid back atmosphere and give you that feeling that when you walk in, you’re in the tropics,” said Rotarian Shrail Heinrich.

Coolers, pets, strollers, outside food and drink are not permitted.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the night of the event. Tickets can be purchased from Madison Rotarians, online at Madisonalrotary.org/parrots or by calling 256-564-2075.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the Rotary Club’s community and international projects, such as the Madison YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of Triana, worldwide polio eradication and humanitarian support in Honduras and Haiti.

“It funds everything we do,” said Rotarian and past president Debbie Overcash. “It’s a wonderful evening and it’s very unique to Madison.”

Each year, prior to the event, a Rotary Club family hosts a pre-party to officially kickoff the event.

This year, the Rotarians held the party at the Overcash’s.

“This one was a little hot,” Overcash said with a laugh.

Overcash said approximately 53 Rotarians and family members attended the event.

“Our Rotary Club is really special. We’re all friends,” Overcash said. “It’s a real close group of folks.”

In addition to everyone being friends, Overcash said the Parrots event is also special because it is an event that everyone gets involved in.

“Unlike other projects we do where people are separated in this committee or that committee, every Rotarian works on Parrots,” Overcash said.

For more information about the event, call 256-564-2075.