French for Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras is a practice for the last night of eating rich indulgent foods before the ritual fasting of the lent season begins. What it means in Talladega is nothing but a celebration.

A derivative of the Muscogee Creeks’ words “atigi” and “talwa”, Talladega is known as a Border Town.

Honoring culture and roots this border town is excited about this Saturday’s 20th annual Mardi Gras Gala & Auction.

Beginning at 6 p.m. (party goes until 1 a.m.) in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame Speed Channel Dome at the Talladega Superspeedway tons of fun will be had.

Hosting one of Alabama’s most decadent Mardi Gras celebrations north of Mobile this party has seen upwards of 500 (or more) party goers come through its doors.

Gala committee chairman Boyd McGehee is ecstatic about the event being in its 20th year and the fact that the Mardi Gras Gala & Auction just keeps on getting better is not only positive for The Ritz but also for his beloved town of Talladega.

Catered by Classic on Noble the event will offer a menu of Gulf Coast specialties along with a silent auction showcasing over 80 items all up for grabs to the right bidder.

Original artwork from local/regional artists, beachfront condo vacations and a week’s stay at a waterfront cottage in the Bahamas are just a sampling of items that could be yours as Drew Carey says, “If the price is right.”

Brian Worley, a Pell City resident and Moody businessman, has volunteered on the gala committee for the last few years and says this year will be one of the best.

“This year’s event is shaping up to be the best yet. We have partnered with both businesses and individuals in Talladega and St. Clair Counties to put together an attractive package of items for our raffle,” said Worley. “We put the event on each year to support the historic Ritz theatre in its efforts to provide artistic and cultural experiences for area school children.”

Another layer that adds to the night’s fun factor is always—the band. Sending out an all call to the dance floor at this year’s Mardi Gras Gala is the popular Atlanta based group—Simply Tayo Band.

Performing jams from R&B, today’s Top 40 Hits, beach music and the rock standards genres, Simply Tayo Band is known as “America’s Finest 1st Class Act.”

As if all this weren’t enough crowd pleasers such as the Apalachicola Oyster Bar, where fresh oysters are shucked for each individual serving, and a “Live Art” installation will once again be in place where revelers will be in awe of the original artwork being created before their very eyes.

Tickets are $90 per person, tables can be reserved by name for an additional $50 (tickets not included) and a table of eight is $720.

In its twentieth year the Mardi Gras Gala & Auction is the largest fundraiser for local Talladega treasure—The Historic Ritz Theatre.

Benefitting The Ritz, the gala contributes to the underwriting of the theatre’s professional artists season, arts education that assists over 4,000 students in learning more about their passion or provides the opportunity to hone their God given talent.

Taking in the view of The Ritz’s marquee from the Talladega town square instantly takes passersby back to a simpler time.

Its art deco décor has allowed The Historic Ritz Theatre to be given the honor of being a nationally recognized Art Deco landmark.

This nonprofit regional performing arts center provides not only the people of Talladega with an impeccable arts education, but also its friends in neighboring areas like St. Clair, Calhoun and Jefferson counties.

In fact Mardi Gras Gala & Auction goers plan their vacations around this event and it’s become an annual voyage for people from neighboring states as well.

George Culver, Executive Director of The Ritz is honored and appreciative of the support the theatre receives from the community.

“Attending the gala is money well spent because arts education is key,” said Culver. “This gala is a phenomenon because people enjoy the ambiance of being on the speedway. It’s a really good time.”

Whether you want to make it a date night with your special someone, need a girl’s night out or you just want to have fun all this can be accomplished in one night at the 20th Annual Mardi Gras Gala & Auction benefiting The Historic Ritz Theatre.

McGehee, Culver and Worley extend an invite by saying, “It’s a lot of fun! Come out and join us!”

For a good time call The Historic Ritz Theatre at 256-315-0000 to purchase your tickets or log onto www.talladegamardigras.com.

Be sure to kick off the day with Talladega’s downtown Mardi Gras parade.

The parade steps off at 11 a.m. on East South Street and travels west along Battle Street towards its finale around Talladega’s Courthouse Square.

Serving as this year’s parade Grand Marshall is U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers.

See you on the parade route ready to catch Moon Pies and beads!