Social Events of the Week: Mayor's Mardi Gras Ball, New York, New York and Mardi Gras Zoo-Style

Editor's Note: Welcome to the "Social Whirl," a look at what is going on around town. We plan to keep you posted about events on the social scene and feature photographs and information from selected events. We will include events that are coming up soon as well as those that are scheduled for later in the year.

Metro St. Louis loves to socialize. It's even better to have fun when the cause is worth supporting. In fact, St. Louis regularly ranks among the top U.S. cities for charitable giving.

Each week Patch will highlight social and charity events to help you decide which one or ones you will attend and/or support. 

The Charity Event: Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball

Save the date: February 17, 2012 General admission: 6:30 p.m. Premier ticket holders: 6:00 p.m.

The Beneficiary: This charity event supports outstanding local projects.

Get the Scoop: The hottest Mardi Gras event of the year, the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball, is now in its tenth year. Come join Mayor and Mrs. Francis G. Slay for a night of magic and merriment. The historic city hall is prepared to be spectacular and the sounds of live bands, Cajun and dance, will ring out in the halls. Mingle with the Mayor’s Ball jesters, Circus Flora and featured performers, feast on fine cuisine, enjoy the Grand Parade March and plenty of surprises too.

Attire: Masquerade and Creative Black Tie Encouraged

The Location: City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, MO

Cost: Ticket prices vary, see website for information

For more information: Visit the event website.

The Social Event: New York, New York: An Evening with the Angels

Save the date: February 25, 2012 begins at 4:30 p.m.

The Beneficiary: Saint Joseph’s Academy

Get the Scoop: Open to the public, this event will put you right in the middle of the Big Apple with the theme this year: New York, New York. The commons on St. Joe campus will transform to look like Central Park in New York City. It will be an evening of fun and fellowship, dinner and dancing. A duo entrée dinner of steak and chicken will be catered by Russo’s Catering. There will be an open bar. Tom Kelly will entertain as he sings the sounds of Sinatra. The main focus for the evening is the annual auction, St. Joe’s largest parent-led fundraiser of the year.

Attire: Jackets are required.

The Location: St. Joseph’s Academy, 2300 Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO

For more information: Visit the event website.

The Social Event: Delta Dental Mardi Gras, Zoo Style

Save the date: February 19, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. parade at 3:00 p.m.

Get the Scoop: It is the best family Mardi Gras celebration in town. Bring the kids for this zoo-style party complete with mask making, music by Bob Case, dancing, beads, face painting, entertainment and grand finale parade with the Zoo’s costumed character Penguin and Delta Dental’s costumed character Tooth Wizard and P.A.N.D.A. Decorate your child’s wagon or stroller like a Mardi Gras float. Prizes awarded for the best float in three categories: penguin, Mardi Gras and Delta Dental’s healthiest smile. Activities and games are designed for children ages 2-10. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Attire: Casual

The Location: The Saint Louis Zoo in the Living World, Forest Park, St. Louis, MO

Cost: Free and open to the public, RSVP is not required.

For more information: Call 314-781-0900 or visit the event website.

If your organization has an upcoming social or charity event, email details to Jim Baer atjames.baer@patch.com or Rhonda Weiche at rweiche@hotmail.com.

Click here to add your event photos to our neighborhood photo gallery.