A little of the Crescent City will come to the City of the People this week when the Marengo County Historical Society hosts its Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball.

The event, the fifth such of its kind, will kickoff Friday at 7 p.m. at Lyon Hall.

“The event really just celebrates the French roots of Demopolis,” said Kirk Brooker, who serves as one of the event’s organizers, “but it’s also a great opportunity to showcase and make use of Lyon Hall.”

Tickets are $25 for a single or $40 per couple and are available at the Canebrake Craft Corner. Tickets are also available at the door for $50 per couple.

Food will include traditional Creole flair including chicken and sausage gumbo.

As part of the event, a King and Queen, Prince and Princess and a Duke and Duchess will be crowned and two jesters appointed.

Dress for the event is semi-formal. Costumes are encouraged and a mask is required for entry.

“You don’t have to do anything fancy or spend a lot of money on a mask,” Brooker said. “You can make one yourself. It doesn’t have to be special, you just have to have one.”

Masks are available for purchase at the Canebrake Craft Corner and many local shops.

The event, which is expected to draw upwards of 100 party-goers, will conclude at 11 p.m.

“The event is important to the historical society because it connects the past and present,” Rachel Burke, one of the event’s organizers said of the annual fundraiser. “It also gives us an opportunity to get together as a community and support something that is a big part of our community.”

For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 289-9644, or email marengohistory@bellsouth.net.

All of the event’s proceeds go toward the maintenance and upkeep of Lyon and Bluff halls.