Fat Tuesday came a little early this year with a fun and festive event Saturday evening, February 23. The Jackson Service League’s inaugural Masquerade Mardi Gras Ball kicked off in downtown Jackson with attendees enjoying live music by The Skeleton Krew, delicious Cajun-inspired food and beverages, dancing, themed outfits and masks, and socializing amongst friends.

Lane College hosted their fifth annual Founders’ Day Scholarship Gala on Sunday afternoon, March 3 at the J.F. Lane Health and Physical Education Building on the Lane College campus. This event serves as the college’s yearly premier fundraiser, which also celebrates the 137th year of existence and the birthday of their founder, Bishop Isaac Lane.

The 25th Annual Blue Suede Dinner & Auction, with the theme of “Don’t Stop Believin,” was held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. The Musical entertainment was provided by “Resurrection: A Journey Tribute.” In the backstage area was a 40-foot-tall mural dedicated to the memory of Carl Perkins. Carl was the catalyst whose vision of a Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse has grown to an outreach of surrounding counties near Madison County. This year a fund goal target of $350,000 is needed to provide the protection and counseling for the children.

The MBF Jenna “Lights, Camera, Fashion” 2019 opened the doors at 5 p.m. to the public. The Civic Center was nearly full by 5:30 p.m. of family and friends of these high school student models. Upon entering the lobby, banner pictures of each girl were displayed along both sides of the walkway. Each year the funds raised by this amazing event are directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

The 2019 Jackson Symphony “Crystal Ball” was held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center to a sold-out crowd. The Jackson Symphony League hosts this event, which is the largest fundraiser for the Symphony. Members of the Symphony also visit the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and the Alice & Carl Kirkland Cancer Center. The performers believe this exposure to music helps in the healing process. Additionally, the Chamber Music concerts held at several churches are reaching people who may not attend a larger event. The Jackson Youth Orchestra also performs, and this allows the youth to be exposed to professional level musicians.

On Saturday, January 5, the Carl Perkins Civic Center was packed full of West Tennesseans in beautiful gowns and suits for an evening benefitting Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The third annual Black Tie & Boxing presented by Express Employment Professionals was as entertaining as it was beautiful.

Leadership Jackson celebrated the graduation of its 40th class on Thursday evening, December 13 with a ceremony and awards banquet. Graduates, their families and Leadership Jackson alumni gathered at the Carl Grant Events Center at Union University to enjoy a meal together and learn about the 32 members of this year’s graduating class. Awards were given to several members of this class as well as distinguished alumni to recognize their achievements.

The New Southern in Downtown Jackson was full of extra sparkle and shine as Habitat for Humanity held its first Dream Builders Gala on New Year’s Eve. Window World and WBBJ were the title sponsors of the event, which included dinner, music and a champagne toast to ring in 2019. Couples danced to the music of the Jimmy Church Band as they enjoyed their last night out of the year.

The 2019 Law Enforcement Ball held at the Jackson Fairgrounds saw a new banner named ”731 Crime Stoppers,” replacing their former title. An estimated 450 guests were in attendance at the ball. Terry Baker did a superb job decorating the Fairgrounds. There were several raffle items to be awarded, and food catered by Brooks Shaw from Casey Jones Village was great. The three cooks have a combined 97 years of chef experience.

Each year at the Patron’s Party, held at the Walden & Norton colonial home, one thinks that last year’s party was tops. Then you meet Thurston at the champagne table. From there you are escorted by young men in tuxedos up the stairs to the grand entry hall. The hall is bustling with friends and guests chatting, while Matt is playing the baby grand piano. At the foot of the circular staircase is the dining table with numerous finger foods and sweets.

An excited crowd gathered at the Jackson Fairgrounds Park on Thursday night, October 18, to enjoy dinner and drinks and watch local friends and colleagues perform in the STAR Center’s third annual Dancing with the STARs. Event organizers transformed the space at the Fairgrounds into a glamorous stage for the live dance competition. Attendees enjoyed dinner and drinks. Then names were drawn to determine the order of the competition. The dancers had worked tirelessly with their choreographers to prepare for the competition, and they did not disappoint the crowd. Judges awarded first place to Beth Haltom and Ontoni Reedy, second place went to Ginger New and Brad Adkins, and in third place were Betsy Little and AJ Massey. Ginger New and Brad Adkins also won the People’s Choice Award, chosen by votes from the audience.