13th Annual Mardi Gras Ball Feb. 16

Preparations are almost complete for Central’s 13th Annual Mardi Gras Ball, which will be held this Saturday, Feb. 16 at the CCA Gym (old Starkey Academy) on Joor Road. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the music will begin at 8.
This year’s theme is the Roaring 20’s, and dress will be formal or Roaring 20’s. The event is presented by the Central Chamber of Commerce. Chairman John Kovalchik said this year’s ball is already sold out. It was also sold out last year for the first time, he said.
There will be a table decorating contest, with tables being decorated in a Roaring 20’s theme.
This year’s king is Lynn Ross III, and the queen is Barbara Brown Guyon. Mr. Ross manages Ross Tire and Service, and Mrs. Guyon is CFO at the Central Community School Board office.
The Eddie Smith Band will provide entertainment.
Mardi Gras is the last day before the Lenten season. In South Louisiana, Mardi Gras is often celebrated with balls and parades. The holiday was traditionally celebrated in New Orleans and Acadiana but in recent decades, it has been celebrated more and more in East Baton Rouge Parish.