By By Adrienne McKenzie
Mardi Gras is a time of celebration and Atmore’s Ladies of Essence provide entertainment each year for the fun holiday.
Ladies of Essence president Brenda Watkins said the Ladies of Essence hosted their annual Mardi Gras Ball at The Wisteria Saturday night and the parade will be held this coming Saturday.
There were more than 150 in attendance at the Mardi Gras Ball including all but one Ladies of Essence member, Watkins said.
This year the King and Queen were crowned at the ball. Janet Wilson was named Queen and Skyler Nero was pronounced as King.
The Ladies were introduced “with a twist,” Watkins said.
Entertainment for the event was radio personality Nikki deMarks.
The Ladies of Essence Mardi Gras Parade will be Saturday beginning at noon in front of Atmore City Hall. The parade will conclude at Houston Avery Park.
Those who would like to participate in the parade should meet in front of City Hall by at least 11:30 a.m., Watkins said.
Watkins is unsure how many people will be a part of the parade this year, but said there are certain rules that must be followed including no walkers unless they are with a performing group, no go-carts, no four-wheelers, no scooters and if there are horses in the parade, they must be followed by someone on foot in order to clean up behind them.
Watkins said the Ladies are happy to host a parade again this year.