Even though Santa Claus’ famous flight has yet to take off, members of the Krewe of the Pearl are already making preparations to whisk people away to Venice at the upcoming Mardi Gras ball.
The ball, which will be held on Jan. 9, is entitled “A Night in Venice,” Krewe of the Pearl captain Beth Lenoir said.
This is the third ball the Krewe has hosted and each year, a king and queen are selected.
This year, Reggie and Kesha Smith were proclaimed king and queen. Past nobility include Steve and Ann McDonald, Ted and Lynne Barze´and Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero and his wife Christie.
“Our committee, specifically Deborah Craig, came up with this year’s theme,” Lenoir said. “It will be Venetian carnival and we are going to have a gondola for guests to take pictures with.”
The ball will be held at 6 p.m. at the Centraplex, located at 1308 South Haugh Avenue. Formal attire is requested, Lenoir said.
Throughout the venue, mannequins will be dressed in Venetian attire, designed by local fashion designer Kagan McCurnin.
“She has researched carnival attire in Venice and it’s going to be great,” Lenoir said.
The cost to attend the ball for members of the Krewe is $50 and $60 for non-members, Lenoir said. There are also opportunities for business sponsorships.
Tickets can be purchased at the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 201 Highway 11 North. Orders for tickets can also be placed over the phone to chamber staff by calling 601-798-3122, Lenoir said.
The annual parade will be held on Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. beginning at Goodyear Boulevard and ending at Applebee’s on Memorial Boulevard.
Route and float entry forms can be found on the group’s Facebook page, Krewe of the Pearl.