NATCHEZ — This year marks the 37th year of the Krewe of Phoenix’s Call Out Ball.

Six pairs of dukes and duchesses will begin the night, organizers said, with a series of dances and cameos that will run for approximately an hour and 15 minutes beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday at The Natchez City Auditorium.

The Krewe of Phoenix was organized in 1983 when Natchez decided to bring Mardi Gras back, said Jennifer Smith, Krewe of Phoenix royalty chairman.

“Like 100 or 150 years ago they had a Mardi Gras in Natchez and it died out,” Smith said, “but they brought it back in ’83. That’s why they chose the phoenix rising from the ashes to bring Mardi Gras back to Natchez.”

Smith said she has worked closely with current Call Out Ball Chairman Kristin Jordan since approximately 2015.

Smith and Jordan said they didn’t know each other before working together on the annual Mardi Gras ball but have enjoyed collaborating together.

“This is so much fun,” Jordan said. “I can’t imagine not doing it. I would be heartbroken.”

Smith and Jordan said they chose this year’s the theme, “Reveling Rivalries.”

“They’re from all different kinds of rivalries,” Smith said of krewe members, “all different aspects. More than just music rivalries, sports rivalries, movie rivalries.”

From 6:30 to 9 p.m. every night leading up to Saturday night’s ball, Krewe members practice their dances.

Some of the Krewe, Jordan said, have been practicing since before Thanksgiving.

Like Jordan and Smith, many of the krewe members have developed close relationships because of their involvement with the Krewe.

“We get these 12 people together or 14 people together, who would otherwise never really know each other, and I promise you by the time it’s over they’re the best of friends,” Jordan said.

The camaraderie even flows between rivaling krewes.

“Our royalty went to the Krewe of Heart and Soul Ball last week, and we invite them to our ball,” Jordan said. “It’s kind of standard. We also have a lot of people who come from out of town.”

Tickets to the Call Out Ball are available to the public for $25 per person and doors open at 7 p.m. Saturday. The show will begin at 8 p.m. at the Natchez City Auditorium, 207 Jefferson St., Natchez.