King's Ball is Missouri town's answer to Mardi Gras (AP)

From The Associated Press (through USA Today):

By Cheryl Wittenauer, Associated Press Writer

STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. — Mardi Gras celebrations in places like New Orleans and Mobile, Ala., are well-known. But a Missouri village with French roots has its own pre-Lenten party — a traditional ball that dates back more than 250 years.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2008-01-03-missouri-mardi-gras_N.htm