By Jodi Marze, Lifestyles Editor
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE —
The Krewe of the Pearl will have their inaugural ball from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday the 19th at Southern Char Steakhouse. Tickets for the formal event are $60 per person and include: Dinner catered by Southern Char Steakhouse; entrance to the Ball; live entertainment by X-Finity Dance Academy; and an evening of dancing to music by Harvey Jesus and Fire band. The highlight of the evening will be crowning of the 2013 Krewe of the Pearl King and Queen and introduction of their court.
The Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce and Greater Picayune Arts Council (GPAC) joined together to make this event possible. Not since the Krewe of Roses disbanded several years ago, has Picayune had a Mardi Gras event of this magnitude. It will be one which the parade committee believes will be remembered as among the best. The Chamber and GPAC have achieved the perfect chemistry of creativity and direction to bring back a Mardi Gras Ball with style.
Longtime GPAC President and committee member Carolyn Terry said, “This is an opportunity for everyone to have a great time, enjoy a delicious meal, listen or dance to a live band and stay right here in downtown Picayune.”
Southern Char owner Tim Hart agreed, “We are really excited to be playing such a big part in what will be the year’s premier event in Picayune. We love Mardi Gras and can’t wait for all the Krewe members to see what is in store for them here.”
“I’m excited to have my dancers be part of this inaugural Krewe of the Pearl Ball,” said X-Finity Dance Academy owner E.Jae James. “They are thrilled to have the opportunity to entertain the city of Picayune and kick off the evening with excitement, energy and pure glamour. We will be really putting on the ritz.”
While the evening is one of glamour, celebration and fantasy, high participation from the community will have far reaching returns which will go directly back into the community through support of art programs for youth, mentally challenged adults through GPAC and programs for small business owners through the Chamber.
Chamber Director April Lovelace said, “The Chamber board and staff are so excited to bring the Mardi Gras Ball back, in partnership with the Greater Picayune Arts Council. January 19th is going to mark a new beginning to Mardi Gras in Picayune. It will not just be a night of fun and excitement; it will help to keep two great community organizations viable and strong in the community they serve.”
Tickets may be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce office or by clicking the "Register Online" button on the Chamber of Commerce Event Calendar.
