ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — They might be best known for their Mardi Gras celebrations, but the Krewe of Treasures of the Isle is more than pre-Lenten fun.

“We like to get out and serve the community. That’s what we do,” said Emily Mitchell, a Krewe member. The Orange Beach resident is chairing the Krewe’s third annual “Treasure Hunt.”

The event, to be held at the Orange Beach Sportsplex on Canal Road on Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., combines arts and crafts booths, a community yard sale, a car and motorcycle show, live music by Top Hat & Janice, food, including the Krewe’s signature strawberry shortcake, and other events for the whole family.

There will also be a plant sale, with Slay’s Nursery of Elberta providing the greenery.

Admission is free.

Mitchell says there is plenty of parking at the Sportsplex, but those who wish to walk there can use the trail that winds behind the building.

The arts and crafts and the yard sale cause “tourists and locals alike to hunt for their treasures,” said Mitchell.

The event is a charity fundraiser for BARC! (Baldwin County Humane Society) and profits from the event will be given to that organization.

“We pick a different charity each year,” explained Mitchell. “Last year the economy was so tough, a lot of people lost the ability to care for good, loving animals.”

“We are so grateful to Emily Brunette-Mitchell and the entire Treasure of the Isle Krewe for making BARC! their charity of choice,” said BARC! Executive Director Sonja Presley. “Animal shelters are full, foreclosures are still prevalent and pet parents are having to make tough, heartbreaking decisions they never thought they would have to make. Our need has never been greater. The proceeds will go to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming the animals in Baldwin County.”

Presley added there will be a pet adoption at the event.

“It’s rain or shine,” said Mitchell, noting that mid-April weather on the Gulf Coast “tends to be cooperative.”

One of the things Mitchell is looking forward to is the Kids' Village, an area of the event filled with things and activities that youngsters will like.

“They want to have fun, too,” said Mitchell.

“We welcome tourists, snowbirds and locals, everybody who wants to have a good time,” said Mitchell. “It’s great to see the community come together.”

While no one has counted, Mitchell guesses that the event draws 5,000-8,000 people.

“We never have enough cars and motorcycles,” added Mitchell. The entry fee for people wanting to display their their vehicles is $20.

Contact Mitchell at 251-928-1340 for more information.