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Club events

28 February | Rotary Club of Independence, Missouri

Mardi Gras

The club gets into the carnival spirit with this festive New Orleans-style celebration, featuring a zydeco band and Louisiana cuisine such as jambalaya, catfish, gumbo, and king cake. A second line parade into the banquet hall gets the party started, while games and live and silent auctions add to the merriment. This year’s beneficiary, Blue Valley Activity Center, is a local organization that offers recreational sports programs for children.

28 February | Rotary Club of Des Moines AM Foundation, Iowa

Bingo Bash

Now in its fifth year, this family-friendly event runs four sessions between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. and has grown to over 1,000 attendees annually. Each year, the club votes on three nonprofits to benefit, one in each of the following areas: food insecurity, human trafficking, and mental health. The event was created to build the club’s foundation to $1 million, so more funds can be donated annually to those in need.

Tell us about your club’s upcoming event: Write to magazine@rotary.org and put “calendar” in the subject line. To be considered for inclusion in Rotary magazine’s print edition, submissions must be received at least five months before the event.

1 March | Rotary Club of North Pocono, Pennsylvania

Mini Golf Classic

In its fifth year, this indoor golf event at the North Pocono Public Library features an 18-hole putting course that Interactors set up amid the stacks. On the last hole, golfers have the chance to win a $500 grand prize by hitting a hole-in-one, with mulligans allowed. At the end of the course, all participants are treated with popcorn, ice cream, and a free book. All proceeds benefit the library.

7 March | Rotary Club of Naples North, Florida

Naples Craft Beer Fest

At this annual festival, about 15 restaurants and 30 breweries team up to offer paired samples of food and beer. Pairings are judged by culinary experts to determine the Grand Champion, while attendees vote for their favorites in a People’s Choice contest. Last year’s winning combos included mango-habanero chicken wings with a hazy IPA, a smashburger with a light lager, and short rib ragu with an amber ale. Festivalgoers enjoy live music while they chow down. Funds raised at the event support local projects and nonprofits.

7 March | Rotary Club of Valle Verde-Green Valley, Arizona

Jazz in the Desert

For the 17th year, the club will showcase middle school and high school jazz ensembles at matinee and evening shows. Over the years, Jazz in the Desert events have raised more than $400,000, with proceeds benefiting the various schools’ music programs, as well as local, national, and international Rotary projects.

13 March | Rotary clubs of Chicoutimi and Rive Nord Du Saguenay, Quebec

La Saint-Patrick du Saguenay

More than 400 people are expected to attend this St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Saguenay’s Chicoutimi district that has become an annual tradition for the two clubs and raises funds to support local projects. The festivities take place in the old harbor building along the Saguenay River. A poutine bar showcases the celebrated Quebecois dish of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, while some half-dozen regional breweries pour craft beers.

14 March | Rotary Club of Riverside Sunrise, California

Black Tie Bingo

For more than two decades, the club has organized an annual formal-dress bingo event to raise funds in support of projects for the community. This year, guests are invited to wear a “sparkle of green” in honor of St. Patrick’s Day and play “jukebox bingo,” in which bingo numbers are replaced by popular songs. The evening includes dinner, live music, and a silent auction.

21-22 March | Rotary Club of St. Albans, Vermont

Home & Recreation Expo

More than 5,000 people each year flock to this two-day expo in which local companies exhibit their goods and services. Visitors can peruse the booths of landscapers, builders, real estate agents, and other vendors and try samples of food from businesses including Franklin County maple producers. First held in 1992, the event has raised more than $1 million over the years to support local projects and nonprofits.

28 March | Rotary Club of Round Rock, Texas

The BBQ Thing

The historic grounds of the Old Settlers Association of Williamson County are the site of the club’s third annual finger-licking feast. The ticket price covers a barbecue dinner, dessert, and two drinks; there will also be a cash bar. Live music and games make for a Saturday evening of good old-fashioned fun and camaraderie. Event proceeds support local nonprofits.

28 March | Rotary Club of East Los Angeles

Centennial Casino Night Gala Celebration

This year’s gala offers an exciting evening of games, entertainment, and community as the club celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since its founding, the club’s members have been dedicated to supporting local students, having awarded 128 scholarships totaling $110,000. In honor of the milestone, they aim to raise $15,000 to continue their legacy of service and scholarship in the community.