Whitney Houston Irving dances with the crowd at the Krewe of Mer 24th Annual Mardi Gras Ball Saturday at the Natchez Convention Center. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Duchess Bonita Reed makes her appearance at the Heroes and Villains themed event. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Krewe of Mer Queen Diane Brown promenades during the ball. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Zaliah Henderson performs a dance routine to Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” pictured from left are Elexis Wilson, Henderson, and Kyla Williams. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)