All things Moon Pies, beads and masks will be on the calendar in the coming month. 

Twin Cedars Youth and Family Services, Inc. will host its annual Mardi Gras kickoff event in January and gala in February. 

On Jan. 4, the Twelfth Night celebration will kick off the campaigning season for the 2020 Behind the Mask king and queen candidates at Wild Leap Brewing Co.

“We are celebrating the beginning of the Mardi Gras season,” said Jennifer Shawa, director of development for Twin Cedars. “It’ll be just a mingle and casual party.” 

The event will start at 6 p.m., and tickets cost $20, which includes an entry fee, two drink tickets and will also serve as 20 votes for a candidate.  

Votes for candidates running for queen and king for Behind the Mask are $1 each. 

“This event will also give the candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves, and tell the public why they chose to run for king or queen,” Shawa said. 

All proceeds from both events will go toward Twin Cedars, and the programs it has that helps members of the community. 

On Feb 1., community members are invited to put on their best suit or Mardi Gras ball gown and attend the eighth annual Behind the Mask Mardi Gras Ball. 

During the 2019 ball, candidates raised $78,944 for Twin Cedars, and overall the event raised $104,868, including ticket sales. 

Shawa said ticket sales for the ball will begin the first week of January, which will include a catered Cajun-style buffet dinner by Mare Sol. 

“The Atlanta Funk Society will perform live music,” Shawa said. “It is just a great night with dinner and dancing.” 

Shawa added that there will be an open bar for beer and wine, and a cash bar for cocktails. 

“All the money raised supports all of the programs of Twin Cedars in the LaGrange-Troup County area,” Sahwa said. “It is a very substantial fundraiser for the Troup County program. Of that total, the king and queen candidates raise the majority of that money. They’re very impactful in the process. They do a really great job being ambassadors in the community for the children that we serve.” 

Although ticket sales are currently only available for the kickoff event, voting for queen and king is already underway.  

To vote for one of the candidates or learn more about them, visit Twincedars.org/behind-the-mask-royalty-2020 or to purchase tickets for the kickoff event visit Twincedars.org/12th-night-2020. Tickets for Twelfth Night can also be purchased at the door.