It’s that time of year again. The season where the colors green, gold, and purple decorate the entire city. The season where you can find beads hanging around someone’s neck, in a tree, or off of a balcony. The season where you will hear shouts of “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler” from locals and tourists alike. That’s right everyone — it’s Carnival Time in Natchez.

The Krewe of Phoenix is thrilled to announce our upcoming events for our 35th Mardi Gras Season. Our board has been working hard since June to bring Natchez a packed festival time for all.

Our annual Call Out Ball will be from 8 p.m. to midnight on Jan. 28 at the Natchez City Auditorium. This year’s theme is “Dancing Through the Decades” and will be led by our wonderful Chandler Russ, Rex XXXV and Sue Stedman, Rosalie XXXV. For just $15, non-members can enjoy our entire royalty show off their dancing skills as each couple struts their stuff to the theme of their designated decade. Performances will start at 8 p.m. on the dot, so doors will open one hour before the event and a cash bar will be available. After the Krewe provides some entertainment to begin your night, you can dance the night away to Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs (no one under 21 may stay after the call out presentation). To avoid the craziness at the door, Call Out Ball tickets and drink tickets are both being pre-sold. If you are interested in pre-purchasing any of your tickets, please contact Call Out Ball Chairman Jennifer Smith at jenniferjonessmith74@yahoo.com.

The next big event that the Krewe of Phoenix is proud to present is our annual grand ball, which will be from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Feb. 18 at the Natchez Convention Center. Join the royalty and krewe at our last big ball, which is sure to be a night of food, dancing and fun. We will be “Dancing Through The Decades” to the music of Coop D’Belle that night, which means everyone will want hit the dance floor. Non-members may by tickets at the door for $65, which includes food and drinks (must be 21 or older to attend Grand Ball). Always a favorite during every Mardi Gras season, make sure to mark your calendar for the Grand Ball now.

And finally, on Friday, Feb. 24, it is time for the Krewe of Phoenix Mardi Gras Parade. This year, the parade will be a night parade, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Leading the parade will be our grand marshal Mr. Boyd Alexander. Mr. Alexander and his wife, Marge, were founding members of the Krewe of Phoenix. Over the last 35 years, the Alexanders have been active participants in the Krewe, always willing to volunteer their time for the organization as well as having several family members serve as royalty throughout the years. It is an honor to have such a dedicated krewe member represent us all as our 2017 grand marshal. All groups wishing to enter a float should contact parade chairman Curtis Moroney at either curtismoroney@gmail.com or 601-392-9007. The Krewe of Phoenix asks that you please do not park anywhere on Broadway Street at any time on that Friday, including during the parade, so that we can line up the floats as well as have them come back to Broadway Street after the parade.

We are thrilled to invite everyone in the Miss-Lou to what has become three long standing traditions in our community. We hope to see you all out at our events and wish you all a happy Mardi Gras!
Lauren Burns is the Social Media and Newsletter Chairman for the 2016-2017 Krewe of Phoenix Executive Board.