Share a night of “Romance in Rio” with family and friends at the Krewe of the Pearl Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday.
Beth Lenoir, captain of the Krewe of the Pearl, said the theme for this year’s Mardi Gras ball represents “a Carnival experience like no other,” which entails many elaborate colors and traditional decorations from around the world.
The ball will feature many activities, such as recognizing the past kings and queens—including the first royal couple Ted and Lynn Barzé—and all of the community leaders present through their masquerade masks. This year’s king and queen are Victor and Carmen Leon.
After introductions are through, attendees will have time to eat and mingle. Catering at the Krewe of the Pearl Mardi Gras Ball will be provided by El Mariachi.
Since the Krewe of the Pearl was established in 2011, Lenoir said she has seen more people celebrate holidays and events like Mardi Gras locally, especially in the past year.
“This is just a perfect time for everyone to get together with their friends and have a great time,” Lenoir said. “As more people attend these events, it becomes clearer that we don’t have to go to the coast to have fun because all of the fun is right in our backyard.”
This is Lenoir’s third year to host the ball. She said she anticipates a large turnout this year because of the recent community involvement at events like the Christmas parade and local festivals.
“As far as this year goes, I have seen so many more people just out and about around the community, shopping and attending events, big and small. We have a great thing going in our community and you definitely don’t want to miss out,” she said.
Tickets for the Krewe of the Pearl Mardi Gras Ball are still available for purchase. Lenoir said interested parties can visit the Krewe of the Pearl’s Facebook page, where a link to purchase tickets and reserve a table can be found. Tickets for the ball cost $65 per person. The event will be held at The Centraplex, located at 1308 South Haugh Ave. in Picayune.
Also, The Centraplex will be open Friday night from 5-8 p.m. so participants can decorate their table for the ball. A prize will be awarded to the occupants of the best-decorated table.
In other news, the Krewe of the Pearl is still accepting applicants to join the Krewe of the Pearl’s parade on Feb. 11. To register for the parade, contact the Krewe of the Pearl via Facebook.