Ferndale Residents Decorate Porches for "Yardi Gras" - And There's a Map!

Ferndale Residents Decorate Porches for “Yardi Gras” – And There’s a Map!

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 16, 2023)

Ferndale, MI – Ferndale continues its tradition as an artsy, fun community with a city-wide effort to decorate porches for Mardi Gras – only here called “Yardi Gras.”

Resident Ed Minas was inspired by a similar effort.

“When Covid had us all in lock down mode I thought it would be fun to lighten the spirits of of our Ferndale neighbors by decorating our properties. I love bringing joy to neighbors and I have some yard art and a little free library. I had noticed what they were doing in New Orleans and thought why not Ferndale?” Minas said.

It took some time to find the right person to help. Suzanne Janik is a regular community volunteer with experience creating maps for other festive things like Halloween decorations and Holiday lights. She and Minas teamed up to get Yardi Gras started this year.

Residents and business owners can decorate their property and reach out to either of them on social media to have it added to the map. Janik and her dog Soloman have been taking walks to see the various decorations, and driving to see them is also an option.

“With all the artists and creative people in Ferndale it seemed like something fun to bring together,” Janik said. Among the royal colors of green, purple, and gold, there are homes with their own unique touches – like homes with pop culture characters, those with homemade artistic creations, and even a glittery skeleton adorned with beads.

“I have been thrilled beyond belief how well it is has been accepted,” Minas said. “I love engaging the community we live in.” Spreading creativity is also important. “Like I mentioned my yard was somewhat decorated any way and I love color, as I am artist. So Yardi Gras was just another excuse to have decorating fun.”

Janik and Minas are also inviting participants to meet up at Howe’s Bayou at 5pm to celebrate together. Howe’s is known for the New Orleans fare and Fat Tuesday celebrations. Howe’s Bayou is located at 22848 Woodward Ave.

Minas also has another community event in the works, called Giant Parade Puppets Ferndale and Beyond. “My hope is to get Ferndalians making puppets and then having a parade with them. Not unlike Festfools in Ann Arbor,” he said. Those who want to learn more about that can visit the Giant Parade Puppets Ferndale and Beyond Group.

More info:

Yardi Gras Ferndale MI Facebook Group

Yardi Gras Map