THE LIVING DESERT TO BECOME THE BIG EASY FOR MARDI PAWS

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THE LIVING DESERT TO BECOME THE BIG EASY FOR MARDI PAWS

The Living Desert has announced that tickets are now available for the inaugural Mardi Paws Masquerade Party, to be held at the zoo and gardens on February 14, 2015 from 6 – 9 p.m.

Taking a page from The Big Easy playbook, Mardi Paws is an evening event for adults looking to have a new experience at The Living Desert. Event happenings include a full tasting of Cajun and Creole foods, top bar service, Mardi Gras-style parade and live music.

“The Living Desert is so happy to be adding Mardi Paws to our schedule of unique and fun events that benefit our mission and all of our programs,” said Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert. “This party is a great alternative for Valentine’s Day and definitely fits the bill for a memorable evening.”

Entertainment at Mardi Paws will include the South African drum and musical group Zuluu, who will be leading the New Orleans-style parade through the grounds to Village WaTuTu where the party continues. At the Village, party-goers will dance to the infectious music, rhythms and uninhibited beat of L.A.’s Bonne Musique Zydeco. Also in the Village, there will be special Valentine’s Day shopping opportunities, a dessert and coffee bar, and sign-ups will be available for special behind-the-scenes tour opportunities at The Living Desert.

The event will be capped off by a raffle prize drawing for a trip for four to New Orleans in the Fall 2015, right before Halloween festivities in the Crescent City.

VIP and general Mardi Paw tickets are on sale now. The VIP ticket includes a full Cajun dinner catered in the Stephen B. Chase Administration Building at 5 p.m., two drink tickets and an opportunity to ride in the Mardi Paws Parade. Through December 25, VIP tickets are $150 per person and after Christmas Day, VIP tickets are $175 per person.

“This is just an amazing way to be right in the middle of the experience of Mardi Paws,” said Shawn Shepherd, The Living Desert’s Director of Development.

General admission early bird tickets purchased by December 25 also include a drink ticket for an adult beverage, such as a Hurricane. The cost is $50 each for members of The Living Desert and $60 for non-members. After Christmas Day, regular admission tickets will be $65 for members and $75 for non-members.

The event benefits The Living Desert’s operations and mission of desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation. For more information about The Living Desert and the first Mardi Paws Masquerade Party, call 760-346-5694, extension 2166 or 2162, or visit www.livingdesert.org to make early-bird reservations.

About The Living Desert:
The Living Desert is an AZA-accredited zoo and gardens with the mission of desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation. It is a family-friendly location in the Coachella Valley to explore nature and create meaningful experiences for guests that are remembered for a lifetime. For more information: (760) 346-5694 or visit www.LivingDesert.org. The Living Desert is located at: 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260.