A new Mardi Gras party for the whole family will be launched Saturday, Feb. 9, by the Junior League of Chattanooga at The Car Barn in East Brainerd.

Adults and children are encouraged to come dressed in colorful costumes or just wear their favorite purple, gold and green attire.

"In the spirit of Mardi Gras, we will have a costume parade featuring all the children attending," said Jennifer Stone, JLC public relations chairwoman, who adds kids will throw out beads to revelers.

Activities will include games for all ages such as a football toss, face painting, mask and cookie decorating, music and dancing.

A New Orleans-style menu catered by The Car Barn is included in the $35 ticket. Guests will dine on jambalaya, red beans and rice with shrimp and andouille sausage and, of course, king cake.

JLC members will be selling their latest cookbook, "Seasoned to Taste," for $29.95. All proceeds from the party will help the league's mission to eliminate food deserts, according to Stone.

"A food desert is defined as any rural or suburban area where there is low access to healthy and affordable food," she says. "Healthy families create healthy communities."

Advance tickets are encouraged. However walk-ups may purchase tickets at the door as long as tickets remain.

Contact staff writer Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.