HOT SPRINGS -- Dana and Don Gooch took their turn as queen and king of the seventh annual Mardi Gras Costume Ball & Contest, held March 2 at the Hotel Hot Springs. The popular event, always held the Saturday before Mardi Gras, gives its numerous regular guests -- and its newbies -- a chance to display some creative getups and compete for $1,000 in cash prizes given to the best costumes in several categories.
Jacqueline Beaumont and Neal Gladner were masters of ceremonies for the evening, sponsored by the Hot Springs Jazz Society. As has been tradition, the ball got started with Dixieland Mardi Gras music by the Spa City Stompers, then culminated in a variety of dance music -- with an emphasis on Motown soul -- by the Delta Brass Express.
Red beans and rice, gumbo and jambalaya, wine and cocktails were available for sale. A silent auction and a raffle provided extra chances to support a good cause ... year-round educational and concert programming offered by the society, including scholarships to attend the University of Arkansas at Monticello Summer Jazz Camp.
The society's main fundraiser kicked into high gear with the grand appearance of the Gooches, who led everyone in a second-line parade.
High Profile on 03/10/2019