The annual Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner was a longtime popular local event switching venues between Patagonia Community United Methodist Church (PCUMC) and St. Therese Church every year. Then the pandemic hit.
Five years flew by and the folks at PCUMC decided yes, they could revive this Mardi Gras (aka Fat Tuesday) gathering. This time, though, it would be a potluck, and with a twist–an opportunity to bring favorite “southern” dishes. It would also bring back the local String Benders band to add to the lively spirit.
Community members enthusiastically filled Thurber Hall on the evening of Tuesday, March 4 to welcome back this tradition, all eager to share good food, music and company.
Can you guess who? Janice Pulliam and. . . husband Ron Pulliam!. . .brought a festive touch of Mardi Gras mystery and fun to the occasion. 
The wall full of potluck dishes (left) included no shortage of special Fat Tuesday dishes to taste, including Cajun Sausage and Rice, Jambalaya Veggies, and Cajun Stew. Then there was the dessert table (front), which featured three of the Mardi Gras traditional ring-shaped, sprinkles-covered King Cakes. 
The String Benders band, many in colorful hats and attire, filled the stage of Thurber Hall to reprise their Fat Tuesday role in encouraging everyone to, Ã la New Orleans, “Let the good times roll!”