Madison Rotarians prepare for 12th annual ‘Parrots of the Caribbean’
Parrots of the Caribbean guests enjoy the island atmosphere in a previous year.(CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Rotary Club of Madison members are finalizing details to welcome everyone to their balmy, bacchanalian bash known as “Parrots of the Caribbean,” this year on Aug. 23.
2014 marks the twelfth anniversary of the annual event, which funds Rotarians’ community and global outreach and charitable endeavors.
All of Rotary Club of Madison’s annual funding “comes through the extreme generosity of our sponsors and the partygoers and supporters of Parrots of the Caribbean … many of whom have been with us from the very first Parrots,” event chairperson Debbie Overcash said. (The only exceptions about funding are grants from Rotary International and District 6860.)
Always held the last Saturday in August, gates will open at 5:30 p.m., the party starts at 6 p.m. and guests’ spirits will rise until 11 p.m. The Parrots’ venue is The Barn at 58 Martin St., recently refurbished and improved by owner Martin Folgmann.
Turner Beverage will supply wine, beer and signature “Parrot-ritas” for the night’s festivities. The Grille at Summer Fun will provide food.
Soulful sounds of the 1960s and 1970s from The Zooks will open the evening’s entertainment. This band plays rock standards and plenty of Motown groove.
Then, Four on the Floor from Fayetteville, Tenn. will take the stage. This five-piece band concentrates on oldies with pop, soul, disco and dance tunes. “We had people from Florida come up to see Four on the Floor last year,” Overcash said.
Among its many charitable acts, Rotary Club gives annual scholarships to a senior at Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools.
Another Rotarian program, “Give Always” starts in July. Each month on the last Saturday, Rotary members will give away rice, beans and related recipe to anyone at the Salvation Army parking lot, 385 Hughes Road.
Just before Thanksgiving, individual Rotarians assemble food baskets with a gift certificate to a Madison grocery store and staples, like sugar, flour, cornmeal, hearty soups, canned vegetables and fruits, breads, desserts and breakfast items. Rotarians donate the baskets to area elementary schools for families in need.
For years in villages of Honduras, Madison Rotarians have built EcoStoves for more efficient, healthier cooking. “The Honduran project was expanded this year to include a free dental clinic, which will become an annual effort if funding is available,” Overcash said.
Guests can bid on merchandise and vacations in silent and live auctions. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs but no coolers.
In 2013, almost 700 tickets were sold, in addition to help from numerous corporate partnerships.
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the event. Guests must be at least 21 years old. Tickets are available from any Madison Rotarian or visit madisonalrotary.org and click “Parrots of the Caribbean.”
For more information about Parrots of the Caribbean, email to madisonrotary@gmail.com or visit madisonalrotary.org.
