Local nonprofit seeks to bring Mardi Gras themed fundraiser to Port Neches

PORT NECHES — A nonprofit organization is looking to bring a Mardi Gras themed fundraising event to Port Neches next year.

Tammy VanZandt, president of Extreme Recreation LLC is aiming for Feb. 22 for an event that would feature a golf cart parade, vendors, live music, a gumbo cook-off and a King and Queen Mardi Gras chosen from Port Neches-Groves High School top performing students. She also envisions the high school band taking part in the parade.

VanZandt approached Port Neches officials with the idea seeking direction in what would be allowed and City Manager Andre Wimer brought it to city council for discussion Thursday.

She describes the event as similar to the city’s Art Walk but with a music fest type theme. She chose Port Neches for the Mardi Gras style event because Mardi Gras Southeast Texas moved from Port Arthur to Beaumont.

Vanzandt’s plans would include the closure of Port Neches Avenue.

But that section of Port Neches Avenue has a number of businesses. The city asks VanZandt to communicate with those businesses to get their feedback and ensure there’s no opposition.

The section of Port Neches Avenue that is typically closed off for events includes the Chamber of Commerce, Avenue Axe Sports Bar, Redbirds BBQ, and Neches Brewing Company to name a few.

As for the golf cart parade, VanZandt envisions the parade route to go around Port Neches riverfront Park, she said.

There will be no alcohol served or allowed in the park during the event, she added.

The next step for VanZandt is to communicate with the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce, the city’s public works department, and Port Neches police and fire departments.

Port Neches city officials listen to the presentation. (Mary Meaux/The News)

What is Extreme Recreation LLC

Extreme Recreation Inc., established August 2023, is a 501c3 state registered domestic charity.

The organization’s charitable name is Extreme Giving. They offer several programs throughout the year aiding at-risk children and youth.

Extreme Recreation works with children’s nutrition programs at local schools and collects toys for children in local hospitals at Christmas. The organization also offers team building opportunities for children of all ages in a variety of activities such as sailing and fishing tournaments, according to information provided to the city.

The organization will also be providing scholarships to PNG graduates and cited a tie to the school that caught the attention of a few councilmembers.

“The reason why we want to ground it here, my father-in-law passed away in early 2008. He was an NFL football coach but he also graduated from Port Neches,” she said. “So we were wanting to honor his memory there at the school so we grounded the scholarship there. My father-in-law was Lance VanZandt.”

Lance VanZandt coached at Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Kansas University, University of Nebraska, Texas Tech and the University of Alabama as well as coaching New Orleans Saints and the St. Louis Cardinals, according to obituary information.

For more information on Extreme Recreation LLC visit extremerecreation.org

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