United Church of Christ to Celebrate 'Fat Tuesday'

Menifee United Church of Christ will celebrate Fat Tuesday -- known in New Orleans and elsewhere as Mardi Gras -- by giving away free doughnuts in the parking lot of the church on Feb. 17.

"Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras is the day before Ash Wednesday," said Senior Minister Bill Freeman. "Fat Tuesday is when you’re supposed to get rid of all your fatty foods to prepare for prayer, fasting, repentance, and reflection during the more than six weeks of Lent, leading up to Easter Sunday."

Menifee UCC invites people to come to its parking lot for a free doughnut from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17. "Mardi Gras costumes and beads, optional," said Rev. Freeman. Menifee UCC is located at 26701 McCall Blvd. in Menifee.