Mayor Slay's Mardi Gras Ball

Often dubbed "the social event of the season," Friday's Mardi Gras Ball combined formalwear, food and fun. Mayor Francis Slay hosted the evening in City Hall downtown on Friday, Feb. 28, and partygoers at the black-tie gala reveled in entertainment from hula hoopers, aerialists and local dance-rock group Dr. Zhivegas. The annual event benefits the Mardi Gras Foundation, which awards Soulard Community Improvement Grants. Photos by Steve Truesdell for the Riverfront Times