2010 Eureka Gras to open with Coronation Royal Ball

Eureka Gras will get underway with the Coronation Royal Ball on Thursday, Feb. 4 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Crescent Hotel, and the carnival will continue through Feb. 16.

The event will offer all the features of a New Orleans Mardi Gras, from bead throwing and parades, King Krazo and Queen Eureka and their dukes and maids, and a call-out of past kings and queens, to a royal feast, an inaugural showing of work by 15 local artists, dancing and plenty of costumery and foolery.

Eight separate events are planned for Eureka Gras this year, including a new addition, "Arti-Gras," designed to spotlight the city's artists. "We've been expanding the carnival each year, and this will be our biggest and best ever," said event organizer Dan Ellis.

In addition to Arti-Gras, Eureka Gras 2010 will includes masquerade balls, costume contests, parades, pub-crawls, music, food and plenty of libations.

Royal Court

A former fire captain and a queen of finance will be crowned Eureka Gras 2010 King and Queen at the Coronation Ball on Feb. 4. Queen Debbie Hartsell and King Richard Bost's Royal Court will include Duchesses Peggy Kjelgaard, Autumn Hudgins, Mary Popovac, Melodye Purdy and Tanya Smith, and Dukes David Graupner, Allen Huffman, Rod Minner, Joe Raley and Lamont Richie.

The Coronation Ball will begin at 6 p.m. with a cash bar followed by a champagne buffet supper and entertainment by the All That Jazz Quartet. Admission is $30. Dress is formal or costumed. Reservations are required.

For details or reservations, visit www.krazo.ureeka.org or call 981-9551.