Hard to believe that another year has come and is almost gone — but it’s true.

Last year, the Krewe of Phoenix hosted a New Years Eve Party to ring in the New Year and give residents of the Miss-Lou a fun event to attend.

This event gives us an opportunity to meet and mingle with prospective new members and for them to get to know us. It also helps raise funds to divert the high cost of parades, Mardi Gras balls and expenses associated with a fun packed Mardi Gras season.

This year, once again, we will be hosting a New Years Eve Party on Wednesday.

The party will take place at the Natchez Community Center located at 215 Franklin St.

The doors will open at 8 p.m., and the party is cocktail attire.

Members of the Krewe of Phoenix pay no admission fee.

Non-members may attend for only $40 per person which includes hors d‘oeuvres, party favors, champagne at midnight and the fabulous band “Scratch” who will provide great music to dance the night away.

Tickets may be purchased at the door on New Years Eve.

Additionally, as most of you know, the Krewe of Phoenix participates in many events during the Mardi Gras season. The announcement party, where our royalty for the year is presented, the Chili cook-off, which I am very proud to say the Krewe of Phoenix won three prizes this year: first place people’s choice award, first place decorated booth and third place judge’s award.

Saturday will be the “Twelfth Night Party”; Jan. 17 will be the “Call Out Ball,” always a favorite with the locals, Jan. 24 is the “Duke and Duchess Party,” Jan. 31 is the “King and Queens Ball,” Feb. 6 will be The Krewe of Indians Parade, Feb. 13 is The Krewe of Phoenix Parade and our “Grand Ball” will be Feb. 14. Our Grand Marshall this year will be Scott Smith, aka Jimmy the Cricket. He fell in love with Natchez as a child and now spends half of the year in Natchez.

A couple may join The Krewe of Phoenix for $250 per year. If you prefer to join the Krewe, your membership would entitle you to attend all Krewe of Phoenix parties throughout the year including the New Years Eve Party. Information will be available at the door when you enter the party should you decide to join.

Also, there are still rooms available at The Grand Hotel, and they have a special reduced rate for guests who attend the New Years Eve Party. The Grand Hotel is walking distance to the Community Center for those of you who prefer not to drive on New Years Eve.

Our royalty this year is such a fun group lead by our Queen Lisa Dale Mayers and our King Billy Ulmer and their Royal Court, which I am sure you will know most, if not all, of them. So put on your party clothes, shine up your dancing shoes and come join us to ring in 2015. I guarantee you will have a great time.

Gloria Neames is a member of the Krewe of Phoenix.