By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – Locals will have the opportunity to enjoy a night of Mardi Gras activities while also supporting Montevallo Main Street during the organization’s inaugural Monte Gras Ball.

The Monte Gras Ball will be held at the Anna Irvin Dining Hall on the University of Montevallo’s campus on Saturday, Feb. 1. The event will feature a cocktail hour, dinner and live music to celebrate one of the South’s most popular holidays.

Cocktail attire is requested for the event, and masks are encouraged. Tickets are $60 per person and all proceeds benefit Montevallo Main Street. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with the cocktail hour, while dinner will begin at 7 p.m. and live music will be performed from 8-10 p.m.

For those interested in sponsoring the event, there are three tiers: Green, Gold and Purple. The Green level costs $500, the Gold level $1,000 and the Purple level $1,500. Each of these levels guarantees a reserved table for six people as well as recognition, masks and other perks that vary by level. A King & Queen sponsorship of $2,000 and one Band Sponsorship of $2,000 are also available.

Courtney Bennett, the executive director of Montevallo Main Street, gave some background on why the organization created the new event.

“We love Mardi Gras around here and thought it would be the perfect catalyst for a fun event that raised money for our 501(c)6 nonprofit,” Bennett said. “Some of us have been involved in New Orleans’s Mardi Gras so we have a passion for this tradition.”

Bennett acknowledged that a new event brings uncertainty, but the goal of the event is concrete.

“This is our first year and we will have a lot to learn, but our goal is to raise funds with this event every year that we can use to complete projects that revitalize and promote downtown Montevallo,” Bennett said. “Having diverse income streams is integral to our long-term success as an organization, and we want to make sure we have the resources to continue our mission.”

Bennett provided a breakdown of what attendees can expect from the event.

“Monte Gras is a chance to don your best cocktail attire and masquerade masks, and just soak in the vibe and enjoy a fun evening with colleagues and friends,” Bennett said. “It will be a little taste of New Orleans right here in Montevallo, from the food to the music to the décor.”

She also explained how integral Montevallo Main Street’s partnership in the event is to not only the event’s success, but Montevallo Main Street’s success as well.

“The University of Montevallo is a great partner of ours, and we collaborate on several initiatives throughout the year to lift up the entire community,” Bennett said. “The city and the university’s fates are tied together and we are intentional about supporting each other and building bridges. Anna Irvin (Dining Hall) has been the setting for numerous events that our volunteers have attended in the past, and right now there is not an event venue in the immediate downtown area big enough to host the ball, so we are grateful to be able to use this space.”

In addition to dining, cocktails and festive attire, the inaugural Monte Gras Ball will also feature live music.

“Chuck King is a well-known local musician who is bringing together an ensemble to play New Orleans jazz,” Bennett said. “I have heard him perform before and I know he will blow everyone away.”

Bennett concluded by emphasizing that Montevallo Main Street expects to turn this new event into an annual one.

“One of our dreams is to create a Krewe and host a parade down Main Street- this town loves a parade,” Bennett said. “With that being said, we are excited to try something new with this event and are looking forward to celebrating with everyone on Feb. 1.”

For more information on Montevallo Main Street’s Monte Gras Ball event, visit Montevallo-main-steet.square.site/monte-gras-2025.