Galveston Island, TX – Moody Gardens is gearing up for the best costume party of the year: the 25th annual Mardi Gras Ball for Special People to be held Feb. 6 at the Moody Gardens Convention Center. The event provides free food and live entertainment for people with special needs as well as their families.

Nearly 2,000 people attend the ball annually. This year’s old-time Hollywood theme is titled “A REEL Classic.” Entertainment will include a performance by local band Time in a Bottle. Guests – who are encouraged to dress up as Hollywood celebrities as they walk a red carpet – will also enjoy food, clowns, costumed characters, face painters, and dance and costume contests.

The party will be held from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Moody Gardens Convention Center in Expo A and B.  The event is sponsored by Moody Gardens and made possible by contributions from several local businesses and volunteers.

Anyone interested in attending the ball or anyone interested in volunteering to assist with event set-up, decorating, ushering, food serving or other needs, may contact Moody Gardens Volunteer Coordinator Maria Miller at 1-800-582-4673, ext. 4108 or volunteers@moodygardens.com.

Quick Facts
What:                   25th Annual Mardi Gras Ball for Special People
When:                  Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011
Where:                 Moody Gardens Convention Center, Expo A&B
Who:                    People with special needs and their immediate family or caregivers
RSVP:                   Must RSVP at 1-800-582-4673, ext. 4108
Details:                 Event is free; includes food, live entertainment, costume contest and more.     

About Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens® is a public, non-profit, educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research. The organization is one of the top tourism destinations in the state with several education-based attractions, including one the largest aquariums in the country. Moody Gardens is also known for hosting the annual Festival of Lights – the largest holiday lighting event on the Gulf Coast.