For many in the Tucumcari area it has become an annual tradition. For the Mesalands Community College Foundation it has become a successful way to generate dollars for scholarships. It is called the annual Mesalands Community College Foundation’s Mardi Gras Cajun Shrimp Boil, and this year will mark the twelfth time the event takes place.

“We are very pleased that this original shrimp boil fundraiser has become an annual event in the lives of so many people in the community, and for their generosity,” said Phillip O. Barry, president of Mesalands Community College.

Last year’s event netted over $16,000 for the foundation. One third of that money has been made available for annual scholarships and the remaining funds have been placed in an endowment to provide scholarships for future generations.

Since the launch of the shrimp boil fundraiser, the foundation has awarded over $105,900 in scholarships.

This year’s Mardi Gras Cajun Shrimp Boil will take place March 18, 2011, at the Tucumcari Convention Center. The event will start at 6:30 p.m. with a social, followed by the ample shrimp dinner, and concluded with dancing until 10 p.m. Tickets are available at Bob's Budget Pharmacy and Mesalands Community College. There will be no ticket sales at the door.