By Karen Hall

Editor

With all the cold and ice, and officials advising people to stay home, Richard Lyons and his staff didn't know how many people would show up for their Mardi Gras celebration this week.

It was the ninth time the Chevrolet-Buick-GMC dealership on North Ellington Parkway has welcomed everyone for a Fat Tuesday party and lots of good Cajun food. Last year they entertained 2,500 people.

This year, said Customer Service Liaison Carlton Smith, they didn't know what would happen as the start time approached.

Then, "God just parted the clouds, and a whole bunch of people showed up," said Smith.

"It was like a miracle. It was beautiful."

Some people told Smith it was their only hot meal of the day, since their power was out at home.

"We heard all kinds of stories," he said.

"We never had so many kids -- of course, they were out of school. We love this community."

The menu included shrimp, two kinds of gumbo, a variety of rice dishes and hushpuppies. All the food is prepared in house, Smith said.

Next year, Fat Tuesday falls on Feb. 9, so be sure and mark your calendar.