Saturday, guests were whisked away to Venice, Italy at the Krewe of the Pearl’s third annual Mardi Gras ball.
The ball, which was entitled, “A Night in Venice,” was held at the Centraplex in Picayune and was ruled by king and queen, Reggie and Kesha Smith.
Their court included dukes and maids who were introduced by emcee John Pigott.
The 2016 dukes were Julian Adam, Scott Bounds, Mark Theady, Thomas Lewis, Donald Hart, Louis Graham and Ronald Mark.
The maids this year were Tarva Labostrie, Sue Bounds, Chantel Theady, Angelia Lewis, Sally Hart, Steffani Graham and Lucinda Mark.
Past Krewe of the Pearl nobility were also recognized at the event and they included Steve and Ann McDonald, Ted and Lynne Barze´ and Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero and his wife Christie.
Past Krewe of the Roses kings and queens were also honored and included, Eleanor Ogden, Pearl River County Sheriff David Allison and Reba Beebe, Charlene Schrock, Sandra Barker, Glen and Loretta Ford, Robert and Sherry Paul Thigpen, Bill and Evelyn Edwards, Andy and Luann Watkins, Mary Ellen Wheat and Rex Allen.
Throughout the room, mannequins were dressed in Venetian attire, designed by local fashion designer Kagan McCurnin.
Guests danced to the musical talents of Don Vappie’s Jazz Quintet and DJ Duo.
Special guest, New Orleans artist and Mardi Gras icon, Al “Carnival Time” Johnson thrilled the crowd with his rendition of his famous song, “Carnival Time.”
The event was catered by Italian Grill and Pizzeria and Sal and Judy’s.
“I really think the people who attended were very supportive and we were overwhelmed with the support from people who want us to continue this event for the community and bring everyone together to support our local businesses,” Krewe of the Pearl captain Lenoir said. “It’s a party, yes, but it’s also a gathering for people to dress up, not travel out of town, eat good food and see each other. It’s an opportunity for local businesses to receive business for tuxedos, clothes, hair, nails, etc. This year’s ball was so close to Christmas that it took everyone off guard. Next year, Fat Tuesday is later and we hope that will create a better opportunity for attendance. It’s not just a Krewe event, it’s a collaborative effort between the chamber and GPAC who are responsible for the Krewe of the Pearl.”
Lenoir plans to host a meeting next week to hear feedback and begin planning next year’s ball.
The ball is a precursor to Saturday’s Mardi Gras parade, which is sponsored by the Krewe of the Pearl, the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Picayune Arts Council.
The parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Goodyear Boulevard and will continue east followed by a left on Main Street and a right on 4th Street. The route continues onto 4th street and is followed by a southbound turn onto Highway 11 and a left onto Memorial Boulevard. The parade ends at Applebee’s, Lenoir said in previous coverage.
Anyone interested in participating in the parade may contact staff at the chamber office at 601-798-3122 and visit the group’s Facebook page at Krewe of the Pearl.