What started out nearly two decades ago as a means of aiding
firefighters has ignited into a major fundraiser for many
groups.
What started out nearly two decades ago as a means of aiding firefighters has ignited into a major fundraiser for many groups.
The Mushroom Mardi Gras began 24 years ago as a fundraiser for the local fire department. Prop. 13 had just passed in 1973 and Brad Spencer, the fire chief at the time, found his department in need of money.
He knew he needed to do something more than hold bake sales and dinner-dances. While in San Francisco attending a renaissance fair he decided a festival was what he needed to do. Chief Spencer organized some of his friends and the first Harvest Festival was a reality.
Back then the Harvest Festival was held in early October each year. It was a perfect time to promote the agricultural harvest of this community. But soon the name had to be changed. There seemed to be more than one harvest event happening at this time of the year.
Organizers realized that Halloween was only weeks away and the twist of costumed visitors seemed like fun. The word mushroom sounded good with Morgan Hill. Add all this up and the Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras was the new name.
Location was the question. The festival’s first home was Hill Country resort. Due to the increased attendance each year, the grounds were just too small. The festival was on the move.
A location was identified at the corner of Monterey Highway and Cochrane Road that turned out to be too dusty and windy.
Finally the festival moved to the community park which is now the permanent location of the Mardi Gras.
Grass and shade make for a beautiful setting and there is room for everyone to spread out and enjoy the day. There is also room for the Main Stage and room for and audience in the hundreds.
Changing the date to a springtime event was a big decision for the organizers. Fall offers many festivals all over California. Memorial Day weekend is the kick-off for the summer happenings. Everyone is ready to get out doors and be in the sunshine.
Moving the event was a big success. Each year the attendance is over 40,000 and increases almost each year.
The Mardi Gras is a non-profit organization run by a large group of volunteers. There is a governing board of directors, a steering committee and the folks who come to help at the event.
For details, go to www.mushroommardigras.com or call (408)778-1786.
