Posted 4/14/03 9:57 am ET

Off the course, the party's just starting

Forget Martha Burk, pesky pollen and drenching rain.

The good times start today.

On the town The Augusta Chronicle brings you the best of what's happening on the party scene.  Masters revelers take a 51-week break   La Maison is target of British invasion   Sun, stars come out   Bash becomes birthday party   Celebrity watchers get their fill at gala   Belushi helps reopen bar   Wednesday's festivities are anticipated Masters tradition   Golfers take swing through Augusta eateries   Galas are as big as the golf   Greens fans see red   Even nonfans enjoy reception   The party's just starting

"Augusta will be kicking tomorrow," Allison Green predicted Sunday as she presided over the first unofficial public bash of the Masters Tournament season, a cookout on Ninth Street for her group, Women Against Martha Burk.

This year The Augusta Chronicle will bring you the best of what's happening on the party scene.

WHAT'S HAPPENING MONDAY:Don't miss the fifth annual Mayor's Masters Reception at 6 tonight at the Julian Smith Casino.

Local favorite Charles Howell is expected to attend, along with golfer Len Mattiace.

There's no cost for admission, and more than 20 restaurants will serve up their specialties.

Because it's so popular, plan to arrive early and be prepared for a standing-room-only crowd.

COMING UP: The big bashes will be Wednesday with the traditional Par-3 parties.

After a brief hiatus, Coconuts in Surrey Center has reopened and is billing its celebration as "The Only Official Par 3 Party" featuring Playback with TuTu Devine.

On Washington Road, Last Call in National Hills Shopping Center will have the "Original Par Three," an outside concert with the Swingin' Medallions and the CatDaddies.

DO YOU HAVE NEWS? Have a tip on a hot party or a celebrity sighting to share? Give us a call at (706) 823-3338.