The Kenosha Community Sailing Center (KCSC) will host a Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, February 7 at 6:00 p.m., raising support for the launch of Kenosha’s first high school and collegiate sailing program. This special evening held at Carthage College’s Jockey Club will combine music, food, drinks, creativity, and community spirit.
The event will feature Kenosha’s inaugural ‘tit Rex Mardi Gras Parade, a playful and satirical mini-float competition inspired by the famous New Orleans tradition–’tit is short for “petit” meaning small! Attendees can form “krewes” to design their own shoe-box-sized floats using provided materials. Traditionally witty and creative, ‘tit Rex floats often poke fun at local happenings, pop culture, and current events.
Guests will enjoy authentic Louisiana cuisine, Bourbon Street-style drinks, and live Cajun music by the award-winning Cajun Strangers, transforming the venue into a festive Mardi Gras celebration unlike any other in the area.
Proceeds from the event will directly support the creation of a local high school and collegiate sailing program on KCSC’s C420 sailboats, expanding access to competitive sailing and giving student athletes the opportunity to represent Kenosha in regional (and potentially national) competitions. The program aims to provide equipment, coaching, and structured training while strengthening the community’s connection to Lake Michigan.
Collegiate sailing offers far-reaching benefits beyond the water. Students gain leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and STEM-related skills that translate into academic and career success. For the broader community, the program builds civic pride, promotes water safety and stewardship, and can create long-term economic impact by attracting regattas, visiting teams, and spectators to Kenosha.
For 18 years, the Kenosha Community Sailing Center has been building a strong community of water-lovers on Lake Michigan through recreation and education. Programming includes sailing lessons, watercraft rentals, boat building, and water safety and conservation outreach. More information about KCSC can be found at www.kenoshasailing.org.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Local businesses and organizations are invited to play a role in launching this impactful program. Event sponsorships offer meaningful visibility while demonstrating a commitment to youth development, education, and Kenosha’s lakeshore vitality. Sponsors help build a sustainable pipeline of student leadership while supporting a one-of-a-kind community celebration. Anyone interested in sponsoring should contact info@kenoshasailing.org.
While tables are included in all sponsorship packages, businesses may also reserve tables separately for employees or guests—making the event both a chance to connect and a night of entertainment with purpose. Individual seats are also available for those attending solo or in smaller groups, perfect for a night out with friends, a date night, or meeting others who support the cause.
To learn more about attending, sponsoring, or reserving a table, visit www.kenoshasailing.org/mardi-gras or call 262-997-9343.