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The Marengo County Historical Society’s annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball will be held on Friday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at Lyon Hall. Attendees may wear costumes or semi-formal clothing, but masks are required.

The ball will include hors d’ouevres with a Cajun flair, BYOB with set-ups provided, live music and the crowning of a Mardi Gras Court consisting of a King, Queen, Duke, Duchess and two Jesters.

The dance will be in the cinder-block barn on the west lawn with live music provided by cover band Bryan Yeager, Mikey, & Jeremy.

“The type of music that they play is just about anything,” said Kirk Brooker, operations director of MCHS.

According Brooker costumes are just as popular as semi-formal wear, with some being ornate and others being simple pieces. Brooker also said some costumes are themed while others are old formal wear that has been “doctored up.”

“Some of them have really gone all out,” Brooker said.

While masks can be purchased anywhere, such as the Canebrake Craft Corner, the historical society welcomes hand-made costumes and masks. They take that creativity into consideration while choosing members of the Mardi Gras Court.

“We recognize the effort they put into the costumes by giving them a title,” Brooker said.

Brooker also said that the music, food, atmosphere and decorations make the event enjoyable for everyone. “It is one of the most fun parties of the year, and that’s just the honest truth.”

Emily Black and Gabby Rivas are the chairs for this event.

Tickets are available at the Canebrake Craft Corner for $20.