Glitzy gowns and snazzy suits dined and danced at the Evelyn and Batista Madonia Agricultural Center Jan. 19 for the annual Strawberry Ball.
The theme was Mardi Gras. The center was decked out in purple and green linens and masks. The center of the show was a stage resembling a paddle boat. The theme usually matches the Florida Strawberry Festival’s, but this year it was different.
Before the presentation, the DeLeon Band marched down the red carpet in the middle of the dining tables and played jazzy instruments while passing out beads, resembling Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
The event drew about 350 people to the dance and it is considered the premiere event to start the Strawberry Festival.