Sisters Elizabeth, left, and Rebecca Chapman of Falkville enjoyed attending the Mardi Gras Prom, an event co-sponsored by Somerville and Hartselle Civitan Clubs, on Saturday night. | Clif Knight

They came dressed in party dresses, coats and ties, wearing beaded necklaces and masks and living the dreams of princesses and princes.

What brought them together was the 2014 Marti Gras Prom Night, an annual joint venture of the Somerville and Hartselle Civitan Clubs.

“We mailed out 200 invitations to special needs individuals of ages 14 and up throughout the county,” said Glenda Rea, who co-chaired the event with Wilda McCutcheon. “Of course, some were not able to attend, but those who’re here are having a ball as you can see. This is their own special night. It’s something they look forward to all year long and they don’t miss a beat when it come to dancing and having fun.”

This prom had several kings and queens.

“We don’t single out anyone as king and queen of the prom,” Rea said. “In our eyes, they’re all kings and queens.”

Funding and support comes from throughout the community to host this event.

“In addition to our own members and their spouses, we receive great support from various businesses, parents and sponsors,” Rea said. “For example, we had to change our location this year because we needed more space. We were fortunate that Nature’s Way Church stepped up and offered their building free of charge.”

Tim Walker of Somerville was the DJ. Tim Ballentine of Take Your Pick Photography provided photography. Rhonda Hargett of Nana’s Bakery in Hartselle made cupcakes. Missy Grant and Johnnie Johnson volunteered as face painters.

Salon 67 of Somerville provided hair styling, facial make up and manicures for the ladies and Rea Accounting and Tax Service provided decorations.

Civitan International has a long history of supporting projects to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Somerville Civitan Club initiated the special needs prom five years ago.

Jamie Sims takes a break from the dance floor to eat a sandwich at the Mardi
Gras Prom. | Clif Knight

Missy Grant paints a Mardi Gras mask on the face of Elizabeth Chapman. | Clif Knight

Carolyn Carter enjoyed the dance floor at the Mardi Gras prom even though she was confined to a wheelchair. | Clif Knight

Nancy Busby of Hartselle was one of about 20 Civitans who helped with the 2014 Mardi Gras Prom Saturday night. | Clif Knight

Dancers move to the beat of rock music at the 2014 Mardi Gras Prom Night. | Clif Knight

Ashlyn Kurznal and Nicky Chamberlain dance to an up-beat tune at the Mardi Gras prom at Nature’s Church Saturday night. | Clif Knight

Curtis Giles receives a string of beads and a mask from his guardian, Sandra Borden, in preparation for the 2014 Mardi Gras Prom Night at Nature’s Way Church in Priceville Saturday night. | Clif Knight