Saturday, the Krewe of the Pearl held its third annual Mardi Gras Ball at the Centraplex in Picayune.
The theme was “A Mystical Masquerade” and guests donned their most elaborate masks for the occasion.
The ball was attended by past Krewe of Roses kings and queens including Pearl River County Sheriff David Allison and Picayune Main Street Director Reba Beebe, Andy and Luann Watkins, Charlene Schrock and Mary Ellen Wheat and Rex Allen.
WLOX reporter Al Showers, the first Grand Marshall of the Krewe of Roses parade, was unable to attend.
Also not in attendance was Virginia Ogden, the first queen of the Krewe of Roses and founder, Bill and Evelyn Edwards, Robert Thigpen, Sherri Paul Thigpen, Sandra Barker-Bolten and Glen and Loretta Ford.
Previous kings and queens of the Krewe of the Pearl include Ted and Lynn Barze´and Steve and Anne McDonald.
Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero Jr. and wife Christie are the 2015 Krewe of the Pearl king and queen.
The court included dukes and maids and each one, along with current and past kings and queens, were introduced by emcee Buddy McDonald at the beginning of the evening’s festivities.
The dukes this year were Captain Brett Pinero, Trent Pinero, Huey Stockstill Jr., Dale Miller, Scott Alsobrooks, Tommy Tucei, Gary Furr, Sandy Kane Smith, Sherman Dodd, Jimmy Watts and Frank Ford.
The maids included D’Ann Pinero, Melissa Pinero, Rocky Stockstill, Tessie Miller, Anna Alsobrooks, Toni Tucei, Stacey Furr, Cathy Smith, Becky Dodd, Dawn Timmons and Stacey Wilke.
The ball was sponsored by the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Picayune Arts Council.
The chamber also sponsors the krewe’s parade, which will be held on Jan. 31.
The parade begins at 2 p.m. at Crosby Commons at 801 Goodyear Blvd. and will continue eastbound. The route continues left onto Main Street followed by a right onto 4th Street. After turning onto 4th Street, the route will turn southbound onto Highway 11 N. followed by a left onto Memorial Boulevard. The parade will end at El Mariachi at 1210 S. Haugh Ave. with a post parade party.
According to krewe literature, parade entry fees range from $20 to $40. Interested parties may enter the parade at the Chamber of Commerce located at 201 Hwy. 11 N. or online at www.picayunechamber.org.
Learn more about the Krewe of the Pearl by visiting their Facebook page at Krewe of the Pearl.
Anyone interested in joining the krewe can find applications at the Chamber’s website at www.picayunechamber.org. Contact the chamber at 601-798-3122.