What happens when you gather a group of friends, lace up your dancing shoes and eat shrimp and grits, voted one of the top 10 things to do in Alabama? It means you’re headed to the biggest Mardi Gras ball north of Mobile.

In its eighteenth year, the 2012 Mardi Gras Gala & Auction benefitting the historic Ritz Theatre will be held Saturday, February 18 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Talladega Speedvision Dome.

Eager to introduce new elements such as a Mardi Gras themed backdrop for pictures at this year’s party, Boyd McGehee, chairman of the gala committee, said, “This party is a quality of life event. It’s the biggest thing in this county.”

Executive Director for The Ritz Theatre, George Culver said, “This committee has built up a real legacy and tradition.”

Crediting Boyd’s father, Bill McGehee, as the patriarch of Talladega’s Mardi Gras celebration, Culver said, “Bill has been tremendous. He’s the father of this Mardi Gras Gala.”

Responsible for starting the refurbishment of The Ritz, Bill told a then 15-year-old Boyd they were going to fix up the place to hold antique auctions. As the times changed, they discovered the Talladega square was turning out to be more than an antiques hot spot. Keeping with the trend, The Ritz was then developed as a performing arts center.

“The Ritz has tried to show the community that we’re here for everybody. This is the town’s theatre,” said McGehee.

Working with a 60 member volunteer driven gala committee ranging from ages 25 to 65, McGehee has enlisted help from his neighbors in St. Clair County. Impressed with Pell City resident, Brian Worley’s dedication, McGehee credits him as a great asset.

“Brian’s been our new doer. This is his second year to volunteer and he has helped out in every way. He’s helped us get the word out in St. Clair County and brought so much to the table. We’d love to have more participants from Pell City and St. Clair County,” said McGehee.

Culver added, “These young whippersnappers had to take it over at some point. Their involvement bodes well for the community as well as The Ritz.”

Commenting on how he got involved with the festivities, Worley said, “I wanted to a part of such a unique event. Some friends invited us to the gala a few years back, we had such a good time that I wanted to see where I could pitch in and help.”

Providing Talladega with an all day Mardi Gras celebration, the day kicks off with a parade on South Street that winds its way through the heart of Talladega’s historic district.

“This is unique for a small town. This is a prideful community event where we throw out thousands of MoonPies and beads,” said McGehee.

Looking forward to bringing back “Pets on Parade” and hopefully the Shriners, the parade will also feature marching bands, floats and horses.

Incorporating previous Mardi Gras Gala favorites like last year’s band—Party Nation and Charlotte Wesley’s bread pudding, McGehee and Culver agree this year’s event will be a good time.

“Charlotte Wesley donates her time and money to do her bread pudding. It’s something people look forward to and is always nice to have,” said McGehee.

Serving as “the” major fundraiser for The Ritz, the Mardi Gras Gala raises money through its live and silent auctions conducted throughout the evening of the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to take home 3D sculptures, vacations and even a new family member—a dog.

Gala tickets are $85 for individuals, $170 per couple and $680 for a table of eight. All proceeds benefit The Ritz along with the arts education initiatives it provides for the community. A portion of the ticket is also tax deductible since The Ritz is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

“The ticket price is for a seven hour event. That’s a lot of entertainment,” said McGehee.

Staples at the annual gala are quality music, food provided by Classic on Noble, drink stations, dancing and Morgan Creek Vineyards setting up a tasting table.

“It’s beautifully done,” said Culver.

A limited number of tickets are available. Tickets can be purchased by mail, calling The Ritz at 256-315-0000 or through ordering online at www.talladegaritz.com or www.talladegamardigras.com.

Summing up the soiree to a tee, McGehee said, “I challenge people to find a better party.”