The Rotary Club of St. Charles will host their kick-off fundraiser for the Alligator Festival this month, which will include live music, delicious food and the chance to hold a live alligator.
All proceeds from the event, called Gatorganza, will be used to fund scholarships for parish students.
“Gatorganza gets Rotary Club members, sponsors, festival queens and the community into the Alligator Festival season spirit by getting a taste of the festival from the food, to the music, and the drinks,” Kelsey Pollock, Alligator Festival marketing director, said. “Our volunteer committee is in full festival mode and this event gives us a fun night to take a break and look forward to the festival ahead.”
Those who attend Gatorganza will get to chow down on a full alligator pastalaya dinner as well as taste test food samples from this year’s festival vendors. Additionally, there will be a silent auction, the ability to vote on this year’s signature cocktail and the first chance to purchase a signed copy of the 2024 Alligator Festival poster.
Pollock added that silent auction prizes will include gift certificates, baskets and other unique items. She said the theme of the auction will be supporting St. Charles Parish and volunteers will be purchasing items from local businesses with donated funds.
“Our most coveted auction item will be a rare red wine direct from a Tuscany vineyard with a luxury alligator leather bottle and case valued at over $900,” she said.
Musical entertainment will be provided by Tommy G & Stormy Weather, who specialize in swamp pop.
“To get a preview of our band lineup, Tommy G & Stormy Weather will be playing to make for a fun night of dancing to your favorite swamp pop songs and even some originals,” Pollock said.
The Rotary Club is again partnering with William Grant & Sons to offer the cocktail competition. Last year’s signature cocktail was Rougarou’s Raspberry Rum Punch made with Sailor Jerry’s Spiced Rum. The 2022 winer was Swamp Water, which included a combination of cucumber lemonade and Hendricks Gin.
Gatorganza will also include a live alligator that attendees can hold for a photo op.
Gatorganza will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 6-9 p.m. inside the Grand Ridge Clubhouse in Luling. The cost to attend is $50 and the attire is dressy casual. Cocktail samples are included with ticket purchases and a cash bar will be available.
The Grand Ridge Club House is located at 500 Willowdale Blvd. Visit www.alligatorfestival.org/gatorganza to purchase tickets. To avoid processing fees, you may also use Venmo and purchase tickets @Alligator-Festiva
