🌱 Mardi Gras Tree Lighting + Award-Winning King Cake Bakery

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Mobile Daily. Let's get this Monday started off right, with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mainly cloudy with a shower. High: 67 Low: 62.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Mobile:

1. The City of Mobile lit the Mardi Gras Tree on Saturday evening, officially starting the season! Despite the cold weather, a crowd of residents determined to celebrate was in attendance. The tree is at Mardi Gras Park for those who want to see it. Mobile will have exciting events to celebrate Mardi Gras coming up in the next month, so stay tuned! (WKRG News 5)
2. Mobile residents, the short ride to Daphne is worth it to try the award-winning baked goods at Gourmet Goodies. The bakery came in third at the King Cake Extravaganza in New Orleans last week for the best king cake in the country. Specifically, their savory crawfish king cake helped them secure the award. Get yours in time for Mardi Gras! (WEAR)
3. Do you struggle with gardening? Do you have the opposite of a green thumb? Then the Mobile County Office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System has the perfect free courses for you. The organization will be hosting monthly webinars focused on gardening tips for South Alabama. The webinars are held every third Thursday of the month and you must register here first. (WKRG News 5)

Today in Mobile:

• MLK 2023 March And Rally At Cathedral Square (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Mobile announced it's developing Live Oak Trace, an affordable housing development for senior citizens, located at the intersection of Overlook and Middle Ring roads. The development will contain 56 units plus amenities, such as a clubhouse, scheduled activities, a computer center, a fitness room, and adaptable units designed for usability and accessibility, according to a news release from the city of Mobile. (AL.com)
• The History Museum of Mobile is hiring a Living History Interpreter at Colonial Fort Conde! The job is a public-facing position, responsible for bringing Colonial Mobile to life for visitors at Colonial Fort Conde, a site of the History Museum of Mobile. Dressing in period-appropriate clothing (provided) and regular weekend work will be required. Those interested can apply here by Jan. 23. (History Museum of Mobile via Facebook)
• Join the Mobile Museum of Art for this year's Mobile Jewish Film Festival, organized by the Mobile Area Jewish Federation. On Jan. 19 at 3 p.m., the museum will be screening Chanoch Ze'evi's "Bad Nazi. Good Nazi." A Q&A session will follow, led by Dr. David Meola. Tickets are available here. (Mobile Museum of Art via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.