The 2011 Mardi Gras season is just days away, and The Mystic Krewe of Nereids has been sighted on Pensacola Beach preparing for the fun.

The Krewe of Nereids will kick off the carnival season with its annual King Kake Party at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8 at Paradise Bar and Grill on Pensacola Beach. The public is invited to attend all Nereid events, which are free.

The names of the new royalty are kept secret until the King Kake Party, where the new king and queen will be crowned. There will be dance music by Boogie Inc, and Josh Garrett and The Bottomline also willl perform. Prizes will be awarded, including two tickets and bus ride to Mobile, Ala., to see Beau Soleil in concert on Jan. 21. To learn more, call Bonnie McDonald at 438-1660.

Krewe of St. Patrick

The Krewe of St. Patrick will host its inaugural Krewe Ball on Saturday, Jan. 29.

There are a limited number of reservations open for members of the public to attend and support the Krewe and to join in the revelry.

This exciting new Krewe has a wonderful evening planned. The ball will be held at My Spayce in Pensacola, and tickets are $50. There are a few slots open for Krewe membership. Those considering joining the Krewe of St. Patrick will find the ball a great opportunity to get to know the fun-loving Krewe members. Tickets can be purchased until Jan. 22. Contact Vici Papajohn at 932-8986.