Two local businessmen have partnered with the Picayune Police Department and the Chamber of Commerce to ensure residents attending the Krewe of the Pearl Mardi Gras Ball, which will be held on February 8 at Southern Char Steak House, will get home safely after their night of revelry.

The idea was a result of a Chamber meeting that Picayune Deputy Chief Chad Dorn attended and discussed the need for safe transportation for those attending the ball.

“We want people to have a good time and enjoy themselves,” Dorn said. “We don’t want them to have to worry about getting behind the wheel afterward.”

John Pigott of Pigott Allstate Insurance and Mark Herring of Herring Ford are both members of the Chamber board and Rotary Club of Picayune. They agreed that transportation from the event would be an asset to those who attended and decided to make it happen.

“We want everyone to attend and have a good time,” Herring said. “The Ball is a lot of fun and this year will be even more so without the concern of getting home safely.”

“Southern Char Steak House is a great venue for our Krewe of the Pearl Ball,” Pigott said. “We want to have someone leave and finish the evening having had a great experience from start to finish.”

The transportation van will be available to people living within a reasonable distance to Southern Char Steak House, Dorn said.

“We are proud to be partnering with Pigott Allstate Insurance, Herring Ford and the Chamber,” Picayune Police Chief Bryan Dawsey said. “We will be providing an off-duty officer to drive people home. We would prefer to be driving them than working a DUI or crime scene at a traffic accident site.

Chamber President Tina Stockstill said tickets to the ball are still available for $65 each and can be purchased either at the Chamber of Commerce or Stockstill will be happy to deliver them personally to businesses.

“We have a great band, the food will be incredible and a wonderful time will be had by all who attend,” Stockstill said. “Tickets can be purchased through the 5th of February and I will be happy to bring them to people who can not come pick them up.”