Seniors Celebrate Mardi Gras at Annual COA Dance

Costume and dance contest winners announced at community center event.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The St. Landry Council on Aging (COA) hosted its annual Mardi Gras Dance on Monday, February 16th at the Northwest Community Center in Eunice, Louisiana. The event featured Mardi Gras-themed bingo, live music from J & The Zydeco Dog Pound, and refreshments. Judges were on hand to select winners in various costume and dance contest categories.

Why it matters

The COA Mardi Gras Dance is a longstanding tradition that brings the local senior community together to celebrate the festive Mardi Gras season. The event provides entertainment, socialization, and a sense of community for elderly residents in the Eunice area.

The details

Admission to the Mardi Gras Dance was $3 for seniors aged 60 and over, and $5 for those under 60. Highlights of the event included Mardi Gras bingo games, live music from local zydeco band J & The Zydeco Dog Pound, and the announcement of contest winners. Peggy Marks was named winner of the Prettiest Costume, Stephanie Cormier won for Most Traditional Costume, Shirley and Wallace Trahan were awarded Best Female and Male Dancers, Don Baggett was crowned King, and Olita Bordelon was named Queen.

  • The COA Mardi Gras Dance took place on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The players

St. Landry Council on Aging

The local organization that hosts the annual Mardi Gras Dance for elderly residents in the Eunice, Louisiana area.

Peggy Marks

Winner of the Prettiest Costume contest at the COA Mardi Gras Dance.

Stephanie Cormier

Winner of the Most Traditional Costume contest at the COA Mardi Gras Dance.

Shirley and Wallace Trahan

Winners of the Best Female and Male Dancers awards at the COA Mardi Gras Dance.

Don Baggett

The King crowned at the COA Mardi Gras Dance.

Olita Bordelon

The Queen crowned at the COA Mardi Gras Dance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The COA Mardi Gras Dance is a longstanding tradition that brings the local senior community together to celebrate the festive Mardi Gras season.”

— Eddie Thibodeaux, Master of Ceremonies

The takeaway

The COA Mardi Gras Dance is an important annual event that fosters community, celebration, and joy among the senior population in Eunice, Louisiana. The costume and dance contests add to the festive atmosphere and recognize the creativity and vitality of the participants.