The annual French Quarter Piccadilly Gala fundraiser was recently held at The Montgomery Event Venue in downtown Excelsior Springs.

This year’s Mardi Gras theme had everyone showing up in colorful gold, green and purple festive wear. A total of 202 advanced tickets were sold within 23 minutes during the January pre-sale.

The proceeds from the event will go towards building a new park on Milwaukee Street for everyone to enjoy. The total raised to date, including the gala monies is $120,000. The first order of business will be working with engineering to create road access to the park along with a parking lot. The park will begin taking shape following the creation of a nature trail and butterfly park, which will be done during the spring and summer months.

The parks foundation board meets yearly to plan the annual Piccadilly Gala and make it a reality. Last year’s $87,000 in proceeds — which were matched by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCS) grant — went to the Rainbow Splash Park located on Rainbow Boulevard, which opened Aug. 13, 2022.

There were more than 30 volunteers helping on the evening of the gala by bartending and serving. The gentleman who volunteered where able to help as well as get in on the fun by competing for tips to help raise money. The volunteer with the most tips won a nail gun. The tips, which totaled $5,300, also went toward the new park. The auction saw items donated by several local businesses sold, including gift certificates, customer jewelry and stays at a bed and breakfast or hotel.

Recreation and Community Center Director Nate Williams assists with planning events such as the French Quarter Piccadilly Gala. The Excelsior Springs Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3, or non-profit organization, which allows it to receive charitable contributions to aid in fundraising events.

“It’s a great communitywide event to get everyone involved and is an overall community effort,” Williams said.