Mardi Gras Costume Ball & Contest

If there's any event that's almost sure to create sensory overload for those not too jaded, it's Mardi Gras. And if there's any event in Arkansas that's almost sure to provide sensory overload comparable to that provided by Mardi Gras, it's the Hot Springs Jazz Society's annual Mardi Gras Costume Ball & Contest. Especially when there's a guy who comes as a giant yeti, or abominable snowman. And another guy dressed as a giant bumblebee. Throw in a glitzed-out gladiator, a couple fairies, and a few figures from centuries past, with a bit of steampunk style showing up. The third edition of the ball was held Feb. 7 in the second-floor ballroom of the Austin Convention Hotel & Spa.