Recycle Old Mardi Gras Beads

NATCHITOCHES, LA-  The Cane River Creole National Historical Park is in need of old Mardi Gras beads.  In an effort to “Go Green” and recycle, Nathan Hatfield, the Chief of Interpretation, is asking folks to consider donating Mardi Gras beads from past parades to Oakland Plantation.

 The beads will be used to decorate the entrance pavilion at the plantation during the Mardi Gras season.

 Hatfield said, “Rather than throw away that stash of unwanted beads taking up room in your garage or closet, please donate them to the park.”

Recycled Mardi Gras beads can be dropped off at 400 Rapides Drive in Natchitoches, or at Oakland Plantation located at 4386 Hwy. 292 Bermuda.  Hatfield said his office can pick up the donations within the Natchitoches Parish area.  (To reach Oakland Plantation, take I-29 to Exit 127, Flora/Cypress.  Head east on LA Hwy. 120 toward Cypress.  Cross over LA Hwy 1 onto LA Hwy. 494.  The parking lot and entrance pavilion for Oakland is 4.5 miles east of Hwy. 1 on the left.)

For more information on how to contribute to Oakland Plantation’s Mardi Gras bead recycling program, call Nathan Hatfield at 318-356-8441.

Cane River Creole National Historical Park preserves over 62 acre of cultural landscape, 65 historic structures, an estimated 300,000 artifacts, a well a many other unique resources.