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Pictured left: The Sun Krewe from Crooked Creek AYS. Pictured right: Deputy Mayor Steve Campbell (far right), David Klinkose and Rosemary Mahoney chat with Miss Indiana USA Jami Stallings.

Brazilliant Mardi Gras Mambo on Mass Ave
-Keith Monfreda

Over 400 parents and children braved the cold on February 24th to celebrate the 7th Annual AYS Mardi Gras Mambo on Mass Ave. With a grant from the Indianapolis Foundation, AYS teamed up with YMCA at the Athenaeum, Mass Ave Merchants Association and Expo Design to put on the event.

The parade was lead by Deputy Mayor Steve Campbell and Miss Indiana USA Jami Anne Stallings. Children from eight AYS programs showed off the masks and costumes they designed while studying the arts and culture of Central and South America. The parade also featured five floats donated by Expo Design that included John Strange AYS, YMCA, and the Mass Ave Cultural District.

After the parade a reception was held in the gymnasium of the YMCA at the Athenaeum. The festivities included free children's ID cards from K-IDS BMV. The $10 cards were made free of charge for parents through a sponsorship by Clarian Health. Refreshments were provided by Starbucks and AYS while Tyler, the YMCA mascot, entertained the kids.

The reception was also a chance for parents to learn about valuable family oriented programs in the city, including Habitat for Humanity, the Indianapolis Metropolitan School and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.


Pictured left: Mayor Ditslear, CEO and President of AYS Ellen Clippinger, and Miss Teen Indiana USA Victoria Tomlinson. Pictured right: The cafeteria at North Elementary was filled with revelers.

Brazilliant Mardi Gras Mambo on Noblesville Town Square
-Keith Monfreda

Over 150 AYS parents and children braved the snow on February 17th to celebrate Mardi Gras, AYS style, at North Elementary.

Though the parade was snowed out, AYS children still had a chance to show off the Mardi Gras masks they designed after studying the arts and culture of Central and South America. Mexican sun masks, Aztec shields and bright carnival banners added to the excitement.

The festivities included free children's ID cards from K-IDS BMV. Over 45 cards were created free of charge for parents through a sponsorship by AYS. The children also enjoyed face painting, mask making and several game tables.

The event was also a chance for parents to learn about valuable family oriented services in Hamilton County including the United Way, Girls Inc. of Noblesville, Discovery Toys and the Hamilton County Health Department.

Special guests included Mayor John Ditslear and Miss Teen Indiana USA Victoria Tomlinson. Mayor Ditslear has been a great supporter of families in Noblesville, and AYS appreciates his continued support of AYS and afterschool programs.