The Rotary Club of St. Thomas will debut its first-ever Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, Feb. 7, transforming downtown St. Thomas into a New Orleans-inspired celebration that blends music, cuisine, and community giving.
The event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at Hotel 1829, a recently refurbished historic property located near the iconic 99 Steps. Proceeds will benefit graduating seniors at Charlotte Amalie High School, supporting scholarship opportunities as students pursue higher education and career pathways.
This inaugural Mardi Gras Ball marks a shift from Rotary’s traditional sit-down dinner gala to a more interactive and accessible community celebration designed to welcome broader participation while continuing to support the club’s charitable mission.
Hotel 1829 provides a fitting backdrop for the event. The historic building, dating back to 1829, was carefully restored by proprietors Mark and Jessica Geller to reflect its early French-influenced origins. Those roots align naturally with the traditions of Mardi Gras, which trace back to French culture and later flourished in New Orleans.
Guests can expect heavy, passed hors d’oeuvres inspired by New Orleans cuisine, including mini muffulettas, chicken and sausage jambalaya, and classic powdered-sugar beignets. Live New Orleans jazz will open the evening with the Jairay Petty Quartet, followed by DJ Tony T spinning Zydeco and dance music.
Formal attire is not required, though guests are encouraged to dress up and embrace the evening’s sparkle and flair.
“This is our first Mardi Gras event, and we wanted to create something that truly invites the community in,” said Teresa Ethen, president of the Rotary Club of St. Thomas. “By shifting to a more open, celebratory format, we’re able to bring people together while still making a meaningful investment in the future of our graduating seniors.”
Tickets and sponsorship information are available through the Rotary Club of St. Thomas. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Dr. Kisha Hamilton at 417-619-1346.
Government Hill will be closed to parking during the event. A shuttle will run from the Fort Christian parking lot beginning at 6 p.m. and continuing for one hour before and after the event.
