It’s almost time to don the masks and gowns or suits for the gallery 2’s third annual Masquerade Ball.The ball goes on Saturday, March 8 from 8 p.m. until midnight and includes live music, food and a host bar.“There’s dancing with Mad Dog 20/20,” said Tina Bryan, communications officer for gallery 2. “They’ve been with us for the last two years and so this will their third year. They’re great. They really pick up on the atmosphere with the costumes and everything.”Bryan said they have judges coming in to judge the costumes and will be giving out fabulous prizes for the best ones.There’ll be a food room and a bistro room for people to sit and have a bite to eat or a beverage.Bryan said the ball has gotten bigger each year.“The first year we maybe had a group of maybe 20 people who actually went all out a dressed up,” she said. “Last year we had around 30 or 40 people. This year we’re expecting more and more people getting into the spirit of it.”The idea came as a way for local residents to break out the winter doldrums.“We were looking for something for the spring,” said Bryan. “It’s kind of a down time, when you’re waiting for the nice weather to come. It’s a way to break out of that stay and home and not do anything mode.”Bryan said that many of the participants put a great deal of effort into their costumes.“They come totally and unexpectedly dressed right up,” she said.Also available will be a safe ride home program brought to you by the parents of the 2014 GFSS graduating class.Tickets are $30 in advance at the gallery and include mask as well as appies.

Grand Forks Gazette