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 of fairies, and a few figures from centuries past, with a bit of steampunk style thrown in. We won't even mention those court jesters ... well, yes, we will.
The third edition of the ball was held Feb. 7 in the second-floor ballroom of the Austin Convention Hotel & Spa in downtown Hot Springs. Zac Smith of the Itinerant Locals was master of ceremonies for a revelry- filled evening during which the Spa City Stompers kicked things off musically. Guests bid on silent-auction items; partook of purchased Louisiana cuisine and libations; pranced in a line behind Mardi Gras Queen Laura and King Brian Gehrki; and danced to music by Dizzy 7. In addition, attendees bought raffle tickets for a chance to win a 2-carat diamond ring valued at $4,000 from Stephens Jewelers and a case of Tito's Vodka and assorted wines and liquors worth more than $500.
Previous winners Beth and Richard Gipe once again took costume-contest honors -- honorable mention and men's second place awards, respectively -- as a king cake and accompanying baby. Other winners included Dorothy Morris, who took second place women's honors as Titania, the Queen of the "Mardi Gras" Fairies; Heather Buckley, whose Cleopatra costume earned her first place in the women's category; and Joe Hawk, who won first place in the men's category with a multicolored, elaborately embellished and feather-accented jester costume.
Proceeds are expected to gross $20,000, according to society executive director Gretchen Taylor.
High Profile on 02/15/2015