The Rotary Club of St. Charles is hosting its inaugural Alligator Festival fundraiser this month, featuring live music, delicious food and the opportunity to hold a live alligator.
All proceeds from the event, called Gatorganza, are used to fund scholarships for community students.
“Gatorganza gets Rotary Club members, sponsors, festival queens and the community into the spirit of the Alligator Festival by giving them a taste of what the festival is all about, from the food to the music to the drinks,” said Kelsey Pollock, Alligator Festival Marketing Director. “Our volunteer committee is in full festival mode and this event gives us a fun night to take a break and get excited about the upcoming festival.”
Gatorganza attendees can enjoy a full alligator pastaya dinner and sample food from this year’s festival vendors. Additionally, there will be a silent auction, the opportunity 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 use donated funds to purchase items from local businesses.
“Our most coveted auction item will be a rare red wine straight from a vineyard in Tuscany, in a luxurious bottle and alligator leather case valued at over $900,” she said.
Tommy G & Stormy Weather, who specialize in swamp pop, provide the musical entertainment.
“To get a taste of our band’s lineup, Tommy G & Stormy Weather will be playing and providing a fun evening of dancing to your favorite swamp pop songs and even some originals,” said Pollock.
The Rotary Club is once again partnering with William Grant & Sons to offer the cocktail competition. Last year’s signature cocktail was Rougarous Raspberry Rum Punch, made with Sailor Jerry’s Spiced Rum. The 2022 winner was Swamp Water, which featured a combination of cucumber lemonade and Hendricks Gin.
Gtorganza will also have a live alligator that visitors can capture for a photo.
Gatorganza will be held on Saturday, August 24th from 6-9 p.m. at the Grand Ridge Clubhouse in Luling. Admission is $50 and dress code is smart casual. Cocktail samples are included with ticket purchase and there will be a cash bar.
The Grand Ridge Club House is located at 500 Willowdale Blvd. Visit www.alligatorfestival.org/gatorganza to purchase tickets. To avoid processing fees, you can also use Venmo and purchase tickets @Alligator-Festiva
