A taste of New Orleans is coming to Lyon Hall this weekend.

Saturday, Feb. 25 the Marengo County Historical Society is sponsoring a Mardi Gras Masquerade ball from 7 until 10 p.m.

Hurricane Katrina limited many Mardi Gras celebrations along the Gulf Coast, which opened the door for Demopolis to hold a festive event of their own.

Historical Society Director Kirk Brooker said the idea for the ball was part of an effort to keep fun events at Lyon Hall and keep the spirit of Mardi Gras alive.

“Last year, we did the Valentine’s Dinner and then we did ‘A taste of France’ in June and we just wanted to continue having events at Lyon Hall,” Brooker said. “We felt like this year, since Mardi Gras was so early, rather than doing another Valentine’s dinner we would do something a little different.”

Since Demopolis’s roots are French, Brooker said, Mardi Gras was a natural fit.

All week Brooker and other members of the Historical Society are keeping very busy making sure everything is just right. Decorations for Saturday include Mardi Gras masks along with other items from the Canebrake Players and Silhouette Club.

Saturday’s event will offer everything a Mardi Gras celebration should. There will be live music and dancing along with plenty of food.

Heavy hors d’ouervres, including pork tenderloin medallions with raspberry sauce

Homemade rolls, Vidalia onion tartlets, smoked salmon with dill sauce, new potatoes stuffed with artichoke and potato mixture and Brie wrapped with a puff pastry served with fruit and crackers

Traditional favorites crawfish etouffee with baguettes and King Cake are also on the menu.

Non-alcoholic punch, rum punch and setups will also be provided.

Tickets are $30 per person and are available at the Canebrake Craft Corner next to Bluff Hall on North Commissioners Avenue. Everyone is encouraged to purchase their tickets early but Brooker said, tickets could also be purchased the night of the event.

“People can come to the door and pay,” Brooker said. “They can either buy their tickets early, or the night of.”

Dress for the ball is coat and tie. Costumes are encouraged, but optional and masks are required. People may make their own mask or purchase one at the Canebrake Craft Corner.

For more information, call (334) 289-9644 Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.