Masked Ball kicks off two weekends of Mardi Gras fun in Vicksburg

Cue the zydeco tunes and put on the gumbo. Vicksburg is making plans for the 2nd Annual Vicksburg Mardi Gras Ball at the Roof at 1311 on Feb. 15.

The ball is hosted by the Vicksburg Young Professionals group and sponsored by Fit Chef Catering and The Roof at 1311.

In years past, several organizations have orchestrated a masked Mardi Gras ball for the River City but nothing seemed to stick long term. In 2019, when there were no plans to bring back the River Revelers’ Masked Ball that took place during 2017 and 2018, Kimberly Smith sprung into action with the Young Professionals.

“I knew a lot of people that wanted to keep the masked ball going,” Smith said, “so we did. Mardi Gras is such a fun time in Vicksburg, and a masked ball is part of the reason why.”

Although the ball is hosted by the Vicksburg Young Professionals, a group whose members must be 21-45 years old, Smith said the ball is not limited to a certain age group.

“The ball is open to anyone who buys a ticket and not just for young professionals, so bring everyone you know,” Smith said.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served by Fit Chef Catering, and a cash bar will be available (credit cards will be accepted). Attire for the ball is formal or cocktail.

Smith said there is one thing not to forget.

“Be sure to wear your mask,” she said.

The Roof at 1311 is located above Cottonwood Public House at 1311 Washington St. in downtown Vicksburg. The new event venue opened in the summer of 2019.

Vicksburg’s Masked Ball will feature a live performance from the band Sounds of T-Rell along with DJ Ronnie Luv.

“It’s going to be a really fun time, and you will definitely miss out if you don’t come,” Smith said.

Tickets are $30 and available for purchase on EventBrite. Smith said no tickets will be sold at the door and space is limited. For more information contact Kimberly Smith at 601-629-0098 or kimberly@newbreakmanagement.com.

Additional Vicksburg Mardi Gras events will take place the following weekend.

The annual Vicksburg Mardi Gras Parade will roll down Washington Street Feb. 22 starting on the corner of Belmont and heading north ending at Jackson Street. The parade will begin at 4 p.m., or 3:45 p.m. for the Krewe of Barkus pet parade.

You can’t have Mardi Gras without gumbo. After the parade, stick around downtown for the 9th Annual Carnaval de Mardi Gras and Gumbo Cook-off. This event will be from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Southern Heritage Cultural Center Auditorium, 1302 Adams Street. The event is presented by the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation.

In addition to bragging rights and trophies, the first-place winner of the Gumbo Cook-off will be awarded a $200 cash prize. Admission is $10 for adults (includes gumbo), and $5 for children (includes unlimited children’s activities).

Admission may be paid at the door or purchased in advance at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum at 1107 Washington St. Additional food items and beverages can be purchased during this event. All proceeds will benefit VFHP.

Laissez le bon temp rouler! Let the good times roll in Vicksburg.