Those who want to celebrate Mardi Gras but don’t want to travel to New Orleans or Mobile to do so may find a bit of French Quarter flair in Athens.

Athens Main Street is preparing to host the inaugural Mardi Gras Bash on Feb. 10 at the Limestone County Event Center. Tickets are $25 per person or $40 for a couple. Tables of six are also available for $250.

Proceeds benefit Athens Main Street, a nonprofit downtown revitalization organization. The organization is also offering $1,000 sponsorships and $500 sponsorships.

The event will feature live entertainment from Kozmic Mama, heavy New Orleans-themed hors d’oeurves. King cake, moon pies and traditional Mardi Gras items like beads, masks and feathers.

The dress is traditional Mardi Gras attire or business attire.

Athens Main Street has applied to the state Alcohol Beverage Control Board and city of Athens for a special event alcohol license so attendees may enjoy beer and wine. Two drink tickets will be included with each ticket, though additional drink tickets may also be purchased at the event.

For that reason, the event is for those ages 21 and older. Attendees will be urged to imbibe responsibly.

Melanie Newton, executive director of Athens Main Street, said the Mardi Gras Bash idea was an attempt to offer something different for the community. She added the AMS board felt a need to diversify and “not put all our eggs in one basket.”

“With something like the Grease Festival, it’s an outdoor event and so weather driven,” Newton said. “We thought there was a need in the community for this type of event and it’s in the wintertime and it’s an indoor event.”

Even though this is the inaugural event, Newton hopes it will be successful enough to bring back each year.

“I’ve had a lot of people ask about it and there seems to be some excitement about it,” she said. “We appreciate everyone’s support, our volunteers and we’re looking forward to it.”

Tickets will be sold at the Athens Main Street office (107 N. Jefferson St., Athens) from 1–4 p.m. each Wednesday. They are also available online at http://bit.ly/AthensMardiGras. Those who purchase single tickets online will be charged an additional $3.45, while a fee of $4.28 will be added to the couple ticket price.

Tickets will be sold until the close of business Monday, Feb. 5. For more information on tickets or sponsorships, contact Newton at 256-777-0425.