CASSOPOLIS — Known as the heartbeat of New Orleans tourism, February festival Mardi Gras has become synonymous with flashy beaded necklaces, parades and parties.

Next week, some of that southern fun will make its way north as the Cass County Council on Aging will be celebrating the holiday.

The COA will host a Mardi Gras party at noon Tuesday, Feb. 25 at both of its locations — the Cassopolis Lowe Center, 60525 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, and Dowagiac’s Front Street Crossing, 227 S. Front St., Dowagiac.

At the event, patrons can purchase a New Orleans-themed lunch — complete with some famous king cake — for around $5. There will also be jazz music, beads and decorations. Each year, the party, which has been hosted annually for more than 10 years, typically features games as well.

“We always have this party,” said event organizer Sandi Hoger Monday afternoon, surrounded by an office full of Mardi Gras decoration waiting to be sorted. “We pull out all the stops. We have Mardi Gras punch and music. It’s just a really good time.”

The COA is probably best known for its community and senior-driven services such as Meals on Wheels, adult daycare, exercise classes, educational programming and more. However, the COA also hosts several parties a year to create fun for its patrons, Hoger said. Most recently, the organization hosted a Valentine’s Day party at both of its locations that Hoger said was well attended. Depending on the weather, Hoger expects to see 80 or 90 people attend the Mardi Gras party.

Though the COA’s services are at the core of what it does, Hoger, a self-described party lover, said the COA’s many parties and events are important, too. Especially during the cold and long winters, parties can lift people’s spirits and give Cass County’s seniors an event to look forward to, she said.

“Anything we can do to make a fun day for people is something I really like,” Hoger said. “People like to get out and have fun. During this time of year, when people are getting the winter blahs, and cabin fever has set in, you need to come out and have a good time.”

As she spends the next few days sorting through Mardi Gras decorations and finalizing party details, Hoger said she is hoping people will get excited about the Mardi Gras party and attend next Tuesday.

“If you want to have a good time, we always have good times at the party,” she said. “Come meet your neighbors and your friends and have a good time.”