Once again it’s time to “Laissez les bons temps roule!”
In nearby New Orleans, preparations are being made for one of the state’s largest celebrations, Mardi Gras Day. King cakes are being baked, beads bought and krewes are busily working on their Mardi Gras parade floats.
The city of Picayune is no different. Members of the Krewe of the Pearl are preparing for this year’s ball and parade.
According to captain Beth Lenoir, this year’s theme is A Mystical Masquerade. Tina Stockstill serves as co-captain.
Lenoir chairs the committee responsible for planning the Mardi Gras ball and parade.
This is the third year the Krewe of the Pearl will host a parade and the second for the ball. The Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce and Greater Picayune Arts Council sponsor the ball.
The first king and queen of the ball was Ted and Lynne Barze´ and last year’s king and queen were Steve and Ann McDonald.
This year the king and queen are Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero Jr. and his wife Christie.
According to Lenoir, the ball, which requires the purchase of a ticket, is open to the public.
“Formal attire is requested and masks are required,” Lenoir said. “We will have masks available for purchase that evening.”
The ball will be held at the Centraplex located at 1308 S. Haugh Ave. from 6 p.m. to midnight on Saturday Jan. 17.
Prices for an individual ticket for krewe members is $50 and $65 for non-members, Lenoir said. A reserved table with eightindividual tickets costs $500 for krewe members and $550 for non-krewe members.
Tickets may be purchased at the following locations:
– Picayune Chamber of Commerce located at 201 Hwy. 11 N.
– Allstate – The Pigott Agency located at 915 Hwy. 43 N.
– Stewart Insurance Agency located at 114 E. Canal St.
– Family Furniture located at 3305 Hwy. 11 N.
On January 31, the Krewe of the Pearl will also host the Chamber sponsored Mardi Gras parade.
The parade begins at 2 p.m., Lenoir said, and the krewe is currently accepting applications for floats and parade participants.
The parade will begin at Crosby Commons at 801 Goodyear Blvd. and 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 Greater Picayune Area 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.